Portrait of a Cat Lady on Fire

The film opens with a young girl sketching in an art classroom where students study their model, their teacher, who notices a painting that she painted herself. She reflects tearfully on her artwork, which depicts a woman on fire near a nighttime beach landscape. This scene introduces themes of art, introspection, and emotional depth.

The teacher, Marianne, is seen on a small rowboat in choppy waters, guarding her palette. When it slips into the water, she jumps in to retrieve it, showing her determination and resilience. She later sits shivering on the boat, wrapped in blankets, recounting her experience.

Marianne arrives at a beautiful house where she is greeted by Sophie, a chambermaid. Marianne introduces herself and is shown her new quarters, highlighting her transition into this secluded, artistic environment. Sophie shares details about the mistress, Heloise, and her recent background.

Marianne finds a portrait facing the wall, which she then turns to reveal that it is unfinished, missing the face, and notices wet canvases. This discovery reflects the mysterious history of the house and the previous painter’s incomplete work, hinting at underlying secrets.

La Comtesse, Heloise's mother, instructs Marianne to secretly paint Heloise’s portrait without her knowing. Marianne begins observing Heloise during walks, trying to capture her likeness secretly due to her reluctance to sit for a formal portrait.

During a walk by the cliff, Heloise expresses her longstanding dreams of running and her past nightmares. They bond over their mutual curiosity and unspoken feelings, initiating an emotional and possibly romantic connection.

Marianne sketches and paints Heloise, focusing on her face and green dress. She struggles with capturing her true essence, feeling frustrated when Heloise criticizes the portrait as lifeless. Marianne's effort reflects her deepening emotional investment.

Heloise shares stories about her sister’s death and her arranged marriage, revealing her inner turmoil and dissatisfaction. Marianne and Heloise discuss love and loss, deepening their intimate understanding.

Heloise and Marianne share a tender kiss in a hidden alcove, acknowledging their feelings for each other. Their relationship becomes increasingly intimate as they mutually express their desires and vulnerabilities.

After a heated exchange over the portrait, Heloise walks away in tears, distressed by their emotional bond and her impending departure. Marianne, overwhelmed by love and loss, chases her but is left heartbroken as Heloise leaves.

Back in her studio, Marianne completes a miniature portrait of Heloise and reflects on their time together. She also displays a painting of Eurydice, symbolizing her understanding of love, longing, and the pain of separation.

Marianne sees Heloise at a museum, observing her with her daughter, holding a book open to the same page Marianne drew. Heloise is deeply moved by the music at the theater, suggesting her ongoing connection to Marianne’s memory.

Heloise and Marianne silently acknowledge their enduring bond during a final shared moment, with Heloise gazing at the orchestra and Marianne observing her. Their story concludes with a poignant sense of love lost but eternally remembered.