Picks of the Week offers Women and Hollywood’s top recommendations — women-driven and women-made movies, series, VOD releases, and more — and tells you why they are worth your time and money.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire – Written and Directed by Céline Sciamma
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is a masterpiece. Full stop. Just when you think it’s done breaking your heart, writer-director Céline Sciamma digs the knife in deeper. And then deeper still. By the time the credits rolled, I was on the verge of wailing, and based on the sounds coming from other audience members, I wasn’t the only one choking back my sobs in the theater.
Set in 1760 France, the period romance sees a painter hired to do an unconventional job — her subject, a reluctant bride to be, can’t know she’s working on her portrait. Héloïse (Adèle Haenel) has refused to sit for other artists. She’s under the impression that Marianne (Noémie Merlant) is a companion to go on walks with. In reality, Marianne is studying Héloïse, and sneakily working on a painting of her that will be sent to a potential suitor in Milan. Between stolen glances and intimate conversations, the pair fall for one another.
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is a timeless love story, and a triumph of a film. Special props to cinematographer Claire Mathon, who does an incredible job of capturing the essence of these women and their romance against a beautiful backdrop. (Laura Berger)
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” opens in wide release on February 14. Find screening info here.
Buffaloed – Directed by Tanya Wexler
“Buffaloed”
This film is hysterical and original — it’s quite refreshing. Zoey Deutch plays Peg, a young woman who is always on the search for a scam. She’s brilliant, broke, and parlays her intellect and street-smarts into a couple of dubious ventures in her hometown of Buffalo, NY. I don’t want to give too much away, but “Buffaloed” is a great, wild ride. Every time I thought that a turn wouldn’t work, it did. The film is an unexpected joy.
Deutch’s go-for-broke performance is especially impressive. I’m looking forward to seeing what she does next. She’s got the goods. (Melissa Silverstein)
“Buffaloed” opens February 14. Find screening info here.
Ordinary Love – Directed by Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn
“Ordinary Love”
“Ordinary Love” is about an ordinary older couple, a couple who functions as a unit. They navigate the world together. They walk their daily walk. They watch TV. You feel their love, comfort, and ease with each other. Then Joan (Lesley Manville) is diagnosed with breast cancer and their lives are thrown into a tumult. This is a film that showcases two masterful actors: Manville as Joan and Liam Neeson as her husband, Tom. It’s a particular pleasure seeing Neeson is a non-action role. This is a beautiful, quiet story of love, a story of a couple with history, and a story of the slog of illness. (MS)
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Lisa Barros D’Sa.
“Ordinary Love” opens in select theaters February 14.
New and Returning TV Shows On Our Radar
F*%#ing Adelaide – Created by Sophie Hyde (Topic, February 13)
High Fidelity – Created by Sarah Kucserka and Veronica West (Hulu, February 14)
Duncanville – Created by Amy Poehler, Julie Thacker, and Mike Scully (Fox, February 16)
Good Girls – Created by Jenna Bans (NBC, February 16)
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