An isolated coastal chateau is the backdrop of this simple yet stunning narrative of the relationship between an artist and her subject.
Commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of Héloïse (Adèle Haenel) in secret, Marianne (Noémie Merlant) discretely observes her subject on clifftop walks, painting by night. With poise, dignity and understated passion, the two develop a slow-burn love affair as Héloïse’s protective mother, La Comtesse (Valeria Golino), needs to spend a few days away.
A stripped bare chateau, minimal costume change and an almost exclusive cast of just four women (the two lovers, the mother and Sophie, the young maid – Luàna Bajrami) result in a visual treat of a film with few distractions. Writer/director Céline Sciamma looks to the enigma of passion in an intelligent, sensitively acted affair as seen from the female perspective.
Winner of numerous international film awards including best screenplay at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and European Screen Awards.
Rating: 89%
Director: Céline Sciamma (Tomboy, Girlhood)
Writer: Céline Sciamma (Tomboy, Girlhood)
Main cast: Noémie Merlant (Le ciel attendra, Les drapeaux de papier), Adèle Haenel (Les combattants, Suzanne), Valeria Golino (Miele, Respiro)
An Opinion or Two 