Céline Sciamma writes and directs this French historical drama starring Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel. In 1770, artist Marianne (Merlant) travels to Brittany to paint a portrait of Héloïse (Haenel), the daughter of a French countess, to celebrate her impending marriage to an Italian nobleman. However, Héloïse objects to the marriage, so Marianne is tasked with completing her portrait in secret and acting as Héloïse's companion.

As the two women spend more time together, their relationship evolves into a forbidden affair.