The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentFilmThe KontendersThe Latest

NYFF 57 Review: ‘Portrait of a Lady On Fire’ Is Perfection

by Liam Haber September 29, 2019
by Liam Haber September 29, 2019 0 comments
Adele Haenel (Héloïse) and Noémie Merlant (Marianne) in Portrait of a Lady on Fire
3K

A stunning achievement of filmmaking, ‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ is a story of affection, art, and self-worth.

You see the titular painting almost fifteen minutes before you see the subject. Art teacher Marianne (Noémie Merlant) chastises one of her pupils for taking it out without asking permission, and we watch as Marianne stares wistfully at the painting before jumping back a handful of years into one of the most heartfelt and touching and beautiful romances that I have seen in years. Truly I will be shocked if I see a better film at New York Film Festival. Or even this year, for that matter. 

Adele Haenel in Portrait of a Lady on Fire at the 57th New York Film Festival

Adele Haenel in Portrait of a Lady on Fire

To experience Portrait of a Lady on Fire is to see the commitment of love and friendship in the lifetime of two women, kept apart not just by their sexuality but by expectations and societal standards. There are only two men with dialogue in the film because for once women are allowed to tell their own story. Set in the midst of French beach land in the late 1700s, Marianne is invited to the home of Héloïse (Adele Haenel, The Unknown Girl) and her mother (Valeria Golino). Héloïse is expected to marry, and her relationship with Marianne is tenuous from the outset. Marianne is hired by the mother to paint Héloïse’s portrait, without Héloïse knowing. Instead, a bond is developed that is almost electric, a full development of a family in a short period that explains who two women are at a time when they are expected to be seen and not heard. 

Haenel and Merlant provide some of the best performances that 2019 has seen, and they carry the film on their backs. The complexities of Marianne and Héloïse and their attraction to one another is singular. Playing an artist is something that many have done with difficulty, but Merlant hits all the right notes, turning the act of painting into a religious experience. Similarly, Haenel (a personal favorite from Nocturama and BPM: Beats Per Minute) allows for Héloïse to be comfortably complex. We don’t need every answer for why she does what she does, and the film smartly doesn’t provide them. Instead, she is shown as strong, smart, and brave. Any woman going against society (as the four leads of this film all do) can be called the same. But Haenel wears it too damn well. 

Adele Haenel as Héloïse in Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Adele Haenel as Héloïse in Portrait of a Lady on Fire

The romance is only one aspect of a far larger film, however. Marianne’s love of art in all forms is treated as poetic majesty, and the constant presence of chambermaid Sophie goes from a joke to a beautiful look at acceptance and family. Even the relationship between Héloïse and her mother feels like a commentary on recent changes between generations. Director and writer Céline Sciamma is, without question, a marvel. She takes the period of Napoleon and Les Miserables and more French culture and turns it into a completely different story. Women take not just the forefront, but the upper hand. 

As abortion and status and the role of women in the household reveal themselves as larger themes in the film, Sciamma displays just how much she is taking on. But with cinematographer Claire Mathon’s clinically perfect visuals and the brutal silences of a score-less film, Portrait of a Lady on Fire takes on some of the most important and timely issues today in a perspective that might seem unwieldy. But Sciamma makes the most of her canvas, painting a landscape of France at a time of political upheaval and social reckoning. Sicamma creates art.

If this review seems rambling, it is because I have no way to articulate the perfection of the film. I could comment on the usage of Vivaldi at key moments, or on how Haenel has one of the greatest faces of an actress right now. Maybe I could talk about the queer relationship between the 1700s and 2019 and why we still don’t have stories like this every day. Or I could even go into intense detail about what is the best scene in any film this year, involving a festival and a chorus and a fire. I could even talk about reproduction and family and communication and deceit and cowardice and on and on. 

Poster for Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Poster for Portrait of a Lady on Fire

But instead, I offer only a request. When you’re looking at the showtimes at your local theater this December, don’t flee from the 2-hour long lesbian drama. Don’t shirk away from some seemingly tragic story, as Portrait of a Lady on Fire could have been. Don’t consider that France didn’t submit it for Best International Film at the Oscars. Ignore if you have heard mixed things about the previous films Sciamma has made. You will be charmed and mystified, and you will be enchanted. Everyone deserves the chance to experience a film this beautiful one in their life. Try this one for yourself. 

Portrait of a Lady on Fire will be distributed by Neon Pictures on December 6th

57th New York Film Festival57th NYFFadele haenelCeline SciammaNew York Film FestivalNoemie MerlantNYFFnyff57Portrait of a Lady on Fire
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Liam Haber

previous post
NYFF 57 Review: SYNONYMS Is a Dark Look at Extremism in Many Forms
next post
NYFF 57 Review: Kelly Reichardt Stays in Formation with ‘First Cow’

Related Posts

2025 Teen Vogue Summit Recap: Full of Fun,...

September 30, 2025

“Jay Kelly” — It’s a Hell of a...

September 29, 2025

San Sebastián Film Festival: A Review

September 29, 2025

Brother Magazine’s Style Kings NYFW Party: Celebrating Black...

September 28, 2025

Daniel Day-Lewis Talks Pushing Aside His Pride to...

September 27, 2025

P1Harmony Breaks Down ‘EX,’ Spanish Version, Dream Night...

September 27, 2025

Julia Roberts Jokes That Andrew Garfield is Her...

September 27, 2025

Hot Ones Celebrates Ten Years of Star Studded...

September 26, 2025

4th Annual 1 World Festival Brings Community Together...

September 26, 2025

The Knockturnal at the “Nuremberg” TIFF Premiere Party...

September 25, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Visit the @Complex x @Aepsa_official Pop-Up for ‘Rich Man’ in LA with The Knockturnal! ✨

From exclusive merch and photo cards to signatures and more — ~ 100% worth the visit 

⏰ Sept 16–17 | 11 AM – 7 PM PT
📍 433 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles

#Aespa #Complex #RichMan #KPopMerch #AespaInLA #KPopFans #Kpop #Karina #Giselle #Winter #NingNing
NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet tr NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet transformed the runway into a dazzling celebration of bold prints, playful silhouettes, and timeless style. From Surrogate’s Court to the city streets, the collection truly captured the spirit of the modern woman. 💄

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stars-stripes-and-alice-olivia-by-stacey-bendet/

✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor

-
#NYFW #AliceAndOlivia #StaceyBendet #RunwayStyle #FashionWeek
Some things are just a perfect match—milk & cook Some things are just a perfect match—milk & cookies, Oreos & a cold glass of milk… and @nickbarrotta on the red carpet celebrating 30 years of the iconic milk mustache. 🥛🍪

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎤: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #GotMilk #NickBarrotta #TylerPerrysTheOval #MilkMustache
On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferg On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferguson spoke with us at the @gotmilk 30th Anniversary Milk Mustache Celebration, where the campaign unveiled its bold new focus on everyday Californians as the real icons. 🥛✨

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎤: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #PriahFerguson #StrangerThings #MilkMustache #RedCarpet #GotMilk
First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turn First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turning the spotlight on breakout stars and fresh wins. 🎬🥇✨

Read about the rising talent redefining televisions biggest night.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/emmy-awards/

✍️: Danielle Biondi

-
#Emmys #Emmy #EmmyAwards #Emmys2025 #EmmyWinner #Film #AwardWinning #AwardSeason
We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with @bacardi and @mtv! 💫
History met history last night 🗽🎬✨ The Ha History met history last night 🗽🎬✨

The Hamilton movie premiere transformed the Delacorte Theater into a stage of its own, as the original cast and creative team reunited to celebrate a story that changed Broadway forever. From the first note to the final bow, the revolution continues. 🎭📜

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/under-the-stars-at-the-delacorte-theater-hamilton-premiere-original-cast-in-attendance/

✍️: Lauren Wire

-
#Hamilton #Broadway #HamiltonMovie #DelacorteTheater #LinManuelMiranda #BroadwayLegends #StageToScreen #MusicalTheater
✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture ☕🐭 @dis ✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture ☕🐭 @disneyfamily x @lalalandkindcafe are serving up the sweetest collab of the season — from Mickey drink sleeves to Munchlings surprises 🎁 Don’t miss it before it’s gone Sept. 16!

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/mickey-friends-bring-whimsy-to-la-la-land-kind-cafe/

✍️: Ashley Lopez 

-
#Disney #LaLaLandKindCafe #DisneyCollab #DisneyMagic #CoffeeLovers #MickeyAndFriends #DisneyFoodies
From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan ev From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan everlasting impact, the 2025 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Awards celebrated the artists and executives shaping the culture today. 🎤🎸💥

With honorees like @leonthomas and @gelo alongside hip-hop’s legends, the night was a reminder that the genre’s future is just as powerful as its past. 🤩

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cardi-b-leon-thomas-gelo-wu-tang-clan-more-honored-at-2025-billboard-rb-hip-hop-power-players-awards/

✍️: Nishat Baig

-
#Billboard #RnB #HipHop #PowerPlayers #CardiB #WuTangClan #LeonThomas #Gelo #RnBMusic #HipHopCulture #MusicAwards
PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this tim PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this time it’s for tickets to see LU KALA 💥

We’re giving away a pair of tickets to see her at Mercury Lounge in New York City on September 10th! Join us as we dance the night away to some of her top hits like Pretty Girl Era and Hotter Now 🎶

To enter hit the link 🔗 in our bio and fill out the form. Winners will be contacted through email! 

📍MUST BE IN NEW YORK CITY
🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin 🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin brought charisma, control, and creativity to every second of his Shrine set.

Kai On Tour gave fans in LA a front-row seat to his evolution as an artist, and it was nothing short of iconic. 👏

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/kai-on/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-

#KaiOnTour #KAI #KAIatTheShrine #KpopInLA #EXO #KpopSoloist #KpopConcert #KAI2025 #ShrineLA
🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with 🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with “The Paper” — the sharp new workplace comedy making headlines. 🖋️ We sat down with the cast + creators in an exclusive video interview to talk inspiration, improv, and bringing chaos to the copy desk. 🎬✨

📺 Watch the full interview now 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/the-paper-puts-a-newsroom-spin-on-classic-workplace-comedy/

✍️: Alyssa Threadgill

-

#ThePaper #VideoInterview #WorkplaceComedy #BehindTheScenes #IndieTV #ComedySeries #CastInterview #OnSet #TVTalk #MakingTheShow #WritersRoom #BTS #NewSeries
🎥✨ Austin Butler and the cast of Caught Steal 🎥✨ Austin Butler and the cast of Caught Stealing open up about stepping into this gritty new story, the challenges on set, and why this film is unlike anything they’ve done before.

Catch our exclusive video interview now!

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/austin-butler-cast-talk-new-movie-caught-stealing-video/

✍️: OJ Williams

-
#AustinButler #CaughtStealing #MovieInterview #ExclusiveInterview #FilmFeature #BehindTheScenes #Hollywood #OnSet #NewMovies #EditorialContent #CastInterview
Vegas was just crowned the No. 1 nightlife spot in Vegas was just crowned the No. 1 nightlife spot in the world. We put our detective skills to work at @resortsworldlv to see if it lives up to the hype 🎰 🪩🥂💃🕺

Read the full review on our website ✍️ 

#lasvegas #resortsworld #hilton #sliving #zoox #zouk #stubbornseed #alle #nightlife #vegas #elderbrook
When French comfort food, @marthastewart48 hospita When French comfort food, @marthastewart48 hospitality, and @parisvegas combine you get @thebedfordbymarthastewart 🇫🇷🤤 Our recent trip to the legendary homemaker’s restaurant in Las Vegas had us positively stuffed.

Read the full review on our website ✍️ 

#lasvegas #marthastewart #thebedfordbymarthastewart #parislasvegas #frenchfood
@zkdlin performs ‘Mhmm’ at his solo tour #KaiO @zkdlin performs ‘Mhmm’ at his solo tour #KaiOn in Los Angeles ✨

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
@zkdlin performs ‘Rover’ 🚗⚠️ at #KaiOn @zkdlin performs ‘Rover’ 🚗⚠️ at #KaiOn in Los Angeles ✨ 

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
A @weareone.exo throwback from @zkdlin at his firs A @weareone.exo throwback from @zkdlin at his first ever solo tour, #KaiOn 🐺✨ This is ‘Growl’ 

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
🎶 Meet @hitgs_offcl — the K-Pop girl group ma 🎶 Meet @hitgs_offcl — the K-Pop girl group making waves at KCON 2025. In our exclusive, they open up about growth, music, and their U.S. debut story.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/hitgs/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#HITGS #KCON2025 #KPopGroup #RisingStars #KPopOnStage #KPopInTheUS #GlobalStage #KPopExclusive #MusicAndCulture #NextGenKPop
📍 Culture has a new home. Complex x ESPN’s fl 📍 Culture has a new home. Complex x ESPN’s flagship opening blended sport, sound, and style into an experience that set the tone for what comes next.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/complex-x-espn-flagship-grand-opening-a-night-of-style-sports-and-sounds/

✍️: Winnie Ren

-
#ComplexxESPN #FlagshipOpening #Complex #ESPN
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch