I demand you watch this movie.
As I go through this process of trying to review the films I watch, I am starting to realise I find it much harder to write about things that I like. If you are reading this review and have read some of my others, you will likely have realised I am not a very talented writer. But perhaps I am more of a “debater” or “arguer.” So when it comes to writing about a film I like EVERY aspect of, I struggle to find the words.
I will let this film stew for a couple of months and then after a rewatch I will feel more comfortable proclaiming this, but to me this is going in my top four. I think the film looks gorgeous. I think the plot is engaging and such a brilliant vehicle for these two characters to begin their relationship. Marianne being forced to paint Héloïse without her posing creates an environment that forces Marianne to perceive Héloïse in mundane tasks. The intimacy it creates at first is so engaging and draws you in so much to the romance.
Then once Héloïse is aware of why Marianne is on the island and decides to consent to her portrait, the flood gates open to a brilliant second act. The move from the setting of these open walks and Marianne laser‑focusing in on aspects of Héloïse to this isolated room with the two of them face to face as the second portrait is painted keeps the film so enthralling. But these intimate painting scenes are broken up by this brilliant friendship the two have with Sophie and also the side plot of her pregnancy. The group bond over this and it creates such an endearing sisterhood among them. Then just as I feared the friendship between Marianne and Héloïse might result in their romance taking a back seat, the film knows the perfect moment for the two to broach the subject and embrace each other.
But this is a story of star‑crossed lovers. We knew this from the start, and the film doesn’t pander to modern storytelling sensibilities and needlessly make the relationship happen. It holds to its guns plot‑wise but then gives the viewer a final scene that conveys the love between these characters in a way that is a much more powerful ending. This film is incredible and likely to be seen in my top four soon.
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