Common Sense Media Review
By Danny Brogan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Beautiful French drama about female lovers has nudity.
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Why Age 15+?
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Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say the film is a beautifully crafted exploration of a sapphic romance, praised for its stunning cinematography and emotional depth, making it suitable for mature older teens. However, some viewers found it overrated despite its artistic merits and noted the presence of mild nudity and implied sexual content that may not appeal to younger audiences.
- artistic cinematography
- emotionally deep
- moderate nudity
- suitable for teens
- mature themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE, on a remote French island in late 18th century, Marianne (Noémie Merlant) is commissioned by a countess to paint a portrait of her daughter, Héloïse (Adèle Haenel). The painting is a wedding gift for Héloïse's future husband, a marriage Héloïse does not want to happen. As the two women spend more time together, they grow closer until their romantic feelings come to the fore.
Is It Any Good?
Beautifully shot, perfectly timed, and with breathtaking performances from the two leads, this film is a masterpiece in cinema. The dialogue is in French -- with English subtitles -- but the real language here is all portrayed in the eyes. Stolen glances and longing looks are the vehicle that transports us through this love story between two star-crossed lovers. Directed and written by Céline Sciamma, Portrait of a Lady on Fire centers around the female gaze. Héloïse may be the subject of the portrait, but she observes Marianne just as intently. The sex scenes too, never feel gratuitous, only natural.
Much of the movie is symbolic -- a portrait catching alight in the exact place the heart would be -- and at times it's as if we're inside a scene from a painting. In less skilled hands, it could feel pretentious. But this is a movie that pulls you in and doesn't let go until the (silent) end credits roll. Even then you'll still be able to feel its grasp.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Portrait of a Lady on Fire approaches sex. What does it represent for the characters? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
How does the movie handle the subject of sexuality? How might Marianne and Héloïse's relationship have been received in the era it takes place in? How might their situation be different today?
Marianne and Héloïse's relationship relies heavily on talking to each other. Why is communication such an important character strength?
The movie is made by a woman and is about women and the female gaze. How does this differ from a lot of other films? Do you think the movie would have looked different if it had been written and directed by a man? If so, why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 14, 2020
- On DVD or streaming : June 23, 2020
- Cast : Noémie Merlant , Adèle Haenel , Luàna Bajrami
- Director : Celine Sciamma
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Lesbian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Neon
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Empathy
- Run time : 122 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some nudity and sexuality
- Last updated : March 17, 2026
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