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April 25, 2022

PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE — THE CRITERION COLLECTION

COLE SMITHEY

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ColeSmithey.comCéline Sciamma's lesbian romantic fantasy almost works on its own terms, but falters during crucial elements.

18th century French portrait painter Marianne (Noémie Merlant) travels by boat to paint a wedding portrait of Héloïse (Adèle Haenel) at an idyllic seaside estate surrounded by a community that consists solely of women.

Héloïse is bereft over the recent loss of her sister, and angry about her arranged fate of marrying a man she doesn't know.

Screen Shot 2022-04-25 at 12.40.20 PM

Thus the table is set for a doomed lesbian tryst after Héloïse's mother leaves the women alone for a few days.

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An abortion subplot, involving the mansion's servant, allows for a scene of artistically inspired exploitation that breaks the film.

"Portrait of a Lady on Fire" is Céline Sciamma's weakest film to date.

Rated R. 122 mins. 

2 StarsCozy Cole

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