In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen discuss the 2019 French romantic drama “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” directed by Céline Sciamma. They highlight the film's historical accuracy, its exploration of 18th-century life, and the profound romantic connection between the characters Marianne and Heloise. The discussion also touches on the movie's mythological references to Orpheus and Eurydice and its strong emotional impact. The hosts delve into themes of love, loss, and the roles of women, making it clear why this film is hailed as one of the greatest romances of the 21st century.

00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast

00:07 Overview of 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire'

01:01 Hosts' Personal Reactions

02:03 Plot and Characters Breakdown

08:14 Themes and Symbolism

09:19 Romantic Development and Key Scenes

11:47 The Enchanting Isolation of the Castle

12:42 The Orpheus and Eurydice Painting

13:22 Music as a Connecting Point

17:15 The Role of Sophie

19:18 The Unstructured Hangs

19:56 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

And look forward to our Alien-themed RPG “Facehuggers and Friends,” featuring members of the Umbrella Podcast Collective (https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/umbrella) as players. Released this month alongside the FX’s “Alien: Earth” series (2025).

Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”

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Ep 251: Reviewing “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019) Romance in the Age of Revolution

Midday Movies