---
title: "Portrait of a Lady on Fire"
year: 2019
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/portrait-of-a-lady-on-fire-2019"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 531428
imdb_id: "tt8613070"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 121
community_rating: 8.1
vote_count: 2967
content_rating: "R"
---

# Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/portrait-of-a-lady-on-fire-2019

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a historical drama film set in eighteenth century Brittany. The story unfolds on an isolated island where a female painter arrives to complete a specific artistic commission. She is tasked with creating a wedding portrait of a young woman who resides on the island. The remote coastal setting in Brittany serves as the primary backdrop for the narrative. The film explores the professional relationship between the artist and her subject within the constraints of the historical period. The painter's obligation to produce the wedding portrait drives the central premise of the story. The isolated island location creates an intimate atmosphere where the two women interact. The eighteenth century time period influences the social dynamics and artistic practices depicted in the film. The wedding portrait assignment establishes the initial purpose that brings these characters together. The Brittany setting provides both geographical and cultural context for the unfolding drama.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A painter travels to a remote island to capture the likeness of a future bride."

### Why Watch
- compelling historical setting
- focused character study

### Caveats & Content Note
- slow narrative pace
- Tone & Suitability: This film is rated R and contains themes suitable for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: period, romantic, dramatic, intimate

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | YouTube TV, HBO Max | Kanopy | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | MUBI, BFI Player, BFI Player Amazon Channel, MUBI Amazon Channel, Curzon Amazon Channel, BFI Player Apple TV Channel, ITVX Premium | ITVX | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Sky Store |
| **Canada (CA)** | MUBI | iciTouTV, CBC Gem | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Stan, MUBI, MUBI Amazon Channel | SBS On Demand | JustWatch TV, Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Céline Sciamma
- **Networks / Studios**: Lilies Films, ARTE France Cinéma, Hold Up Films

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Noémie Merlant** as *Marianne*
- **Adèle Haenel** as *Héloïse*
- **Luàna Bajrami** as *Sophie*
- **Valeria Golino** as *La Comtesse*
- **Christel Baras** as *La faiseuse d'ange*
- **Armande Boulanger** as *L'élève atelier*
- **Guy Delamarche** as *L'homme salon*
- **Clément Bouyssou** as *Le batelier*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: When is the film set?
The story takes place at the end of the eighteenth century.

### Q: Where does the story take place?
The film is set on an isolated island in Brittany.

### Q: Who directed the film?
The film was directed by Céline Sciamma.

### Q: What is the genre of the film?
It is classified as a drama and romance.

### Q: What is the runtime?
The film has a runtime of approximately two hours and one to two minutes.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*