Erotic and sensual drama Picture of Beauty (2017) by Maxim Ford is set in the 20th century European countryside, and is a masterwork in layers. It tells the tale of a painting: erotica and a passion mingled into a representation of the quiet rebellion of a conservative society through sensuality, art, and love.
Disguised under the themes of elegance, beauty, and desire – the quest of discovering ones self hidden and buried away in societal expectations forms the narrative arc.
The narrative starts with a breath-taking plot where an enclosed village with a repressive society makes use of a traditional bound framework with a painter struggling to hit the mark as the main character. Julia and stephanie are two innocent souls who are bound by societal rules as Franek’s chosen subjects for his portrait.
Freank goes to hide and carve out in his head an unshakeable image of beauty and life and ends up taking two different trajectories – until now restricted to the boundaries and expectations set up in the societal cage and true, unabridged freedom full of limitless possibilities.
The art studio serves as an escape from the harsh reality of the village for the women, allowing them to indulge in their unrestrained sensuality, sensuality, curiosity, and self-expression without fear of being judged.
As appealing as this sounds, they have to face the unrelenting reality of the arranged marriages that conservatively affectionate values placed on them. Apart from coming to terms with their own stifling desires, these women have to cope with the harsh reality of a world that severely punishes women for being free.
Main Characters & Performances
Julia – Played by Tayloe Sand
As Julia, Sands portrays the innocent tortured by curiosity. She approaches the modeling world with caution but later in her journey learns to embrace her beauty and the power that comes with it.
Stephanie – Played by Danielle Rose
More rebellious by nature, Stephanie comes off as bold and more playful. Outwardly, she clashes with Julia, but in time they come to a silent understanding that borders on deep emotional and physical intimacy.
Pawel Hajnos as Franek
Franek brings together the worlds of art and emotion and as their painter, captured in the easel’s embrace Franek becomes a little too captivated. Real beauty lies in the comfort, confidence, and freedom of the subject and the artist. The chaos shan’t be avoided, but the embrace will await.
Supporting Roles
- Magdalena Bochan-Jachimek takes the role of Hazel.
- Policeman is portrayed by Amer Riad El Muafy.
- Elen Moore plays the role of Cecila.
- Paul is played by Frantisek Smejkal.
- Sylwia Kaczmarek plays the character of Madam.
- George is played by Marek Dmoch.
- Marek Zimakiewicz plays the Priest.
- Delilah is portrayed by Joanna Sobocinska.
- Marriage Broker is acted by Ernestyna Winnick.
Each character adds depth to the story from the marriage broker shoving women into unworthy unions to the priest who captures the unbending moral dominance over a village.
Themes & Symbolism
- Female Empowerment
A marvelous feat attempting to reflect women escaping a world that sees them as dolls or awaiting marriages. Here, nakedness is not crude. It is organic, inspiring, and celebratory.
- Freedom in Art
The studio embodies a cherished domain where no regulations exist. Beauty is rendered subjective, personal, and political by the painter’s perspective.
- Love Without Labels
Affectionate feelings that Julia and Stephanie develop for each other advance beyond the friendship’s boundaries evolving naturally without the need to conceptualize love within a rigid structure.
- Society VS Self
A world that waits outside the studio projects harsh judgment, punishment, and a life not in control. Love, laughter, happiness, and discovery – that’s all that exists inside.
Cinematography & Style
The beauty captured in this film is Picture of Beauty and it is simply stunning.
Soft natural lighting
Picturesque sceneries of the countryside
Intricate and sensitive portrayal of the subject
Tender yet respectful perspectives of the human figure
It is not only for eroticism that the gaze lingers; it captures vulnerability, the languid movement of glances, the gentle stroke of one’s skin against another, or the calm expression of newfound self-assurance.
Each frame feels as if it has a life of its own—silent yet vivid and full of feelings.
Critical Review
The film does include erotic scenes, yet somehow they never feel contrived or objectifying. Instead, Picture of Beauty is a unique example of an erotic drama — one that respects the characters, acknowledges their development, and considers sensuality a dimension of existence instead of a scandal.
It has been compared by some to works like Blue is the Warmest Colour or Call Me By Your Name; not because of direct resemblance, but for the depiction of love and liberation as something fundamentally human and innate.
Impact on the Audiences
For admirers of artistic cinema, indie films, and narratives about female empowerment, Picture of Beauty is a welcomed change. It is not so much about shock as it is about celebration — of bodies and of choice, of freedom from oppression.
Final Word
For me, Picture of Beauty (2017) is an erotic film, but also a coming-of-age film drenched in emotion.
It is about women taking back control of their bodies. It is love without parameters. It is audacity against custom.
