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Historical drama

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) movie poster

Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a 2019 historical drama directed by Céline Sciamma, starring Noémie Merlant as Marianne, Luàna Bajrami and Valeria Golino. It runs 2 hours 2 minutes and earned $9.9 million worldwide on a $5.7 million budget. It was nominated for 2 Oscars. Critics gave it 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 95 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10.

IMDb rating
7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes
97%
worldwide gross
$9.9M
award nominations
5
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Watch the trailer Plot & ending explained
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 2m (122 min)
Director
Céline Sciamma
Genres
Drama , History , Romance
Original language
French
Studio
Alamode Film
Budget
$5.7M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Portrait of a Lady on Fire About?

The premise of Portrait of a Lady on Fire without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

In 18th-century France, Marianne, a painter, is commissioned to paint Héloïse, a young woman who is about to be married. Héloïse refuses to pose, so Marianne must observe her and paint her portrait in secret. As the two women spend time together, an intense connection develops, and their relationship transcends the boundaries of artist and model, blossoming into a passionate and forbidden love affair that is captured in the evolving portrait.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire Themes & Keywords

· 3 tags
  • parody
  • period drama
  • parody comedy
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Cast & crew

Portrait of a Lady on Fire Cast & Characters

Noémie Merlant leads the cast as Marianne, with Luàna Bajrami as Sophie and Valeria Golino as La Comtesse. Directed by Céline Sciamma; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Portrait of a Lady on Fire

· 6 more
From the director

More from Céline Sciamma

More films directed by Céline Sciamma, best-rated first: Petite Maman, Girlhood, Tomboy and Water Lilies.

Full filmography
Ratings

Portrait of a Lady on Fire Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Portrait of a Lady on Fire 97% on Rotten Tomatoes and 95 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.0/10. Our Echo Score gives it 91/100, strongest in art & craft (93) and weakest in story & flow (88).

91 /100

Portrait of a Lady on Fire Echo Score Breakdown

In Portrait of a Lady on Fire, the film’s poised visual language and measured storytelling form its central strength. Reviewers highlight its carefully composed frames and deliberate pacing, noting how the cinematography and thematic depth intertwine to evoke subtle emotional shifts. The nuanced performances and precise editing deepen the film’s layered exploration of love within rigid social constraints. Overall, the movie succeeds as a cohesive experience that balances aesthetic refinement with resonant character relationships.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 93

    In terms of direction and cinematography, the film excels through its deliberate framing and controlled camera movements. Reviewers note the interplay of light and shadow and the disciplined staging that conveys emotional tension without overt expression. This precise visual craft lends the film an evocative stillness that anchors its thematic concerns.

  • Character & Emotion 92

    When it comes to acting and emotional resonance, performances are praised for their subtlety and depth. Critics and viewers highlight the nuanced chemistry between the leads and the restrained delivery that reveals character interiority. The deliberate absence of overt sentiment allows the film’s still moments to convey profound connection. These measured portrayals sustain the film’s emotional core.

  • Story & Flow 88

    In terms of plot coherence and pacing, the narrative unfolds at a deliberate pace that underscores its contemplative tone. Observers note the film’s ability to interweave sociopolitical themes with romantic anticipation, creating a tension that both engages and challenges expectations. While some find the slow rhythm requiring patience, the structured progression maintains clarity and emotional investment throughout.

  • Sensory Experience 90

    When it comes to auditory and visual cohesion, the film’s sparse soundtrack and meticulous sound design are balanced by a resonant score that punctuates key moments. Observers underscore the strategic use of Vivaldi juxtaposed with ambient silence and the harmonious visual palette that evokes period authenticity. This sensory restraint reinforces the film’s immersive atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 90

    In terms of replay value, the film’s intricate visual choices and layered emotional cues encourage repeat viewings. Several comments note how latent details emerge upon closer inspection and how the interplay of gaze and gesture reveals new subtleties. While one viewer expressed hesitation to rewatch due to spoilers, most appreciate its depth and lasting appeal.

Plot

Portrait of a Lady on Fire Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Portrait of a Lady on Fire from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 17 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

At the end of the 18th century, Marianne, a talented painter, is instructing an art class in France when one of her female students inquires about a piece she refers to as Portrait de la jeune fille en feu.

Full summary

The whole story of Portrait of a Lady on Fire, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Portrait of a Lady on Fire Box Office & Budget

Portrait of a Lady on Fire grossed $9.9 million worldwide on a $5.7 million budget, 1.7 times what it cost. $3.8 million came from the US and Canada and $6.1 million (62%) from the rest of the world.

2019 box office

Worldwide gross

$9.9M

1.7× its budget

US & Canada
$3.8M
International
$6.1M
Budget
$5.7M
US & Canada 38% Rest of the world 62%
Awards

Portrait of a Lady on Fire Awards & Nominations

Portrait of a Lady on Fire was nominated for 2 Oscars. The 5 nominations come from 4 ceremonies, the most at the Oscars 1997.

5 nominations4 ceremonies

Videos

Portrait of a Lady on Fire Trailers & Videos

10 videos: 2 trailers, 1 teaser, 1 clip and 6 featurettes.

All 10 videos
Official Trailer
  • Trailer Official US Trailer
  • Teaser One-Week Limited Engagement in NY & LA
  • Clip
  • Featurette PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE Cast and Crew Q&A
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Portrait of a Lady on Fire?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What artistic medium does Marianne primarily use in the film?
Details

Portrait of a Lady on Fire Also Known As

41 alternative titles, including “燃烧的女子肖像” and “浴火的少女画像”.

Also known as
  • 燃烧的女子肖像
  • 浴火的少女画像
  • 燃烧女子的画像
  • 火吻女孩的肖像
  • ภาพฝันของฉันคือเธอ
  • Alev Almış Bir Genç Kızın Portresi
  • Retrato de uma Jovem em Chamas
  • Lēdijas portrets ugunī
  • Portrett av en kvinne i flammer
  • 타오르는 여인의 초상
  • Portret kobiety w ogniu
  • Porträtt av en kvinna i brand
+29 more
  • Retrato de Uma Rapariga em Chamas
  • Retrato de una mujer en llamas
  • تک‏چهره بانویی در آتش
  • Աղջկա դիմանկարը կրակի մեջ
  • Ritratto della giovane in fiamme
  • Портрет девушки в огне
  • Портрет дівчини у вогні
  • Nuoren naisen muotokuva
  • Το Πορτρέτο μιας Γυναίκας που Φλέγεται
  • Портрет на момиче в пламъци
  • Portrét dívky v plamenech
  • Porträt einer jungen Frau in Flammen
  • 燃烧女子的肖像
  • דיוקן של נערה עולה באש
  • Portrét ženy v plameňoch
  • Портрет девојке у ватри
  • Portré a lángoló fiatal lányról
  • Retrato da Rapariga em Chamas
  • 浴火 的少女畫像
  • 燃燒女子的畫像
  • Portræt af en kvinde i flammer
  • Liepsnojančios moters portretas
  • Portretul unei femei în flăcări
  • Chân Dung Cô Gái Trên Ngọn Lửa
  • 燃ゆる女の肖像
  • Portret mladenke v ognju
  • Retrat d’una dona en flames
  • Portret djevojke u plamenu
  • Põleva tütarlapse portree

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From the blog

Articles About Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Our article about Portrait of a Lady on Fire: “The Rise of Female Filmmakers in Contemporary Cinema”.

FAQ

Portrait of a Lady on Fire FAQ: Cast & Box Office

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Portrait of a Lady on Fire, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Portrait of a Lady on Fire?

Portrait of a Lady on Fire runs 2 hours 2 minutes (122 minutes).

When was Portrait of a Lady on Fire released?

Portrait of a Lady on Fire was released on December 6, 2019.

Who directed Portrait of a Lady on Fire?

Portrait of a Lady on Fire was directed by Céline Sciamma.

More films by Céline Sciamma

Who is in the cast of Portrait of a Lady on Fire?

Portrait of a Lady on Fire stars Noémie Merlant as Marianne, Luàna Bajrami as Sophie and Valeria Golino as La Comtesse, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Portrait of a Lady on Fire make at the box office?

Portrait of a Lady on Fire grossed $9.9 million worldwide ($3.8 million domestic, $6.1 million international) on a budget of $5.7 million.

How is Portrait of a Lady on Fire rated?

Portrait of a Lady on Fire has 7.0/10 on IMDb, 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 95 on Metacritic and 81% on TMDB.

Was Portrait of a Lady on Fire nominated for any awards?

Portrait of a Lady on Fire received 5 nominations across 4 ceremonies.

Does Portrait of a Lady on Fire have a post-credit scene?

No. Portrait of a Lady on Fire has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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