February 2020, available on Hulu
In late 1700's France, Marianne (Noémie Merlant) takes a
boat to an isolated island. She's been commissioned to paint a wedding portrait
of a young aristocrat, Héloïse (Adèle Haenel). Héloïse has been called
home from her convent to take her sister's place in marrying a wealthy Italian
man after her sister fell--or jumped--from the cliffs near their house. Because
she resists the marriage and refuses to sit for her portrait, her mother hires
Marianne to pretend to be her walking-companion, commit her face to memory, and
paint her portrait after dark. During the day, the two women take walks on the
cliffs over the water, and at night, they drink wine, play cards, and read to
each other.
The movie takes its time with these scenes and takes
pleasure in depicting the intimacy and joy they find in each other's company.
Tensions grow as they become closer: Marianne wrestles with her
deception of Héloïse, while Héloïse struggles to interpret Marianne's
stares and glances. The result is a spare and compelling romantic drama. The
absence of a score makes the two instances of music that are included more
affecting: a piece that Marianne plays for Héloïse on the piano and an
intense choral arrangement around a bonfire. It's worth watching for that last
song alone.
The movie is sensitive but unsentimental, and the direct,
stripped-down dialogue showcases the standout talent of the two leads.
