HBO Max Is About To Lose One of the Best Films of the 21st Century

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HBO Max added a lot of new shows and movies in February, and to make space for even more in March, they’re removing some titles. They’ve already taken off films like Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Lyle, Lyle Crocodile, and now one of the most critically acclaimed movies of the 21st century will also be leaving the platform.

If you’re an HBO Max subscriber, you have only a few days left to watch the critically acclaimed film, Portrait of a Lady on Fire. This beautiful and intimate French romance, directed by Céline Sciamma, will be leaving the streaming service on February 28th. Set in 18th-century France, the film stars Adèle Haenel and Noémie Merlant as a woman preparing for marriage and the artist who is tasked with painting her portrait. Their initial professional relationship soon blossoms into a secret and intense love affair. It currently boasts a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire Is a Modern Masterpiece That Only Gets Better With Time

Even six years after its release, Portrait of a Lady on Fire remains a powerfully captivating film. Céline Sciamma’s 2019 film hasn’t just aged well—many feel it’s become even better over time. It’s moved beyond initial acclaim, including its wins at Cannes, to become a critically beloved classic and a landmark achievement in queer cinema. It’s a film that truly rewards multiple viewings, offering a mesmerizing experience each time. Its inclusion on the BFI’s Sight and Sound list of all-time great movies confirms its status, and it fully deserves the high praise it receives.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a truly exceptional film. It brilliantly shifts the focus from the typical male viewpoint to a distinctly female perspective, and in doing so, reimagines lesbian romance on screen. Unlike many mainstream films, it avoids sensationalism and instead builds a deeply emotional connection through subtle expressions and shared moments. This quiet intensity is beautifully captured by the film’s stunning cinematography, which resembles classical paintings thanks to meticulous attention to detail, composition, and the use of high-resolution filming. The result is a visually breathtaking and thoughtful film that explores universal themes of love and freedom, and it’s already cemented its place as a cinematic landmark.

Where to Stream Portrait of a Lady on Fire After It Leaves HBO Max?

If you love movies, don’t miss watching Portrait of a Lady on Fire while it’s still available. Right now, it’s only streaming on HBO Max, and it’s unclear if it will stay there. It might end up on a different streaming service once it leaves HBO Max, but there are no guarantees.

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2026-02-21 18:11