Being Maria (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
“Being Maria” (2024) is an evocative biopic that delves into the tumultuous life of actress Maria Schneider. Known for her breakout role in the controversial 1972 film Last Tango in Paris, Schneider’s journey as a promising young actress takes a dark turn after the filming of a notorious scene. Directed by Jessica Palud and starring Anamaria Vartolomei as Schneider, this film explores Schneider’s traumatic experiences on set and how they shaped her subsequent career and life. Being Maria offers a poignant and timely narrative about exploitation, resilience, and a woman’s fight for justice in an industry that has often silenced the voices of vulnerable talents.
Plot Summary
The film follows the early life of Maria Schneider, focusing on her rise as an actress and the critical role she played in Last Tango in Paris. At 19, Schneider was cast by renowned director Bernardo Bertolucci to star alongside Hollywood icon Marlon Brando in a film that promised to launch her career into stardom. However, the realities of the production were far from the glamour Schneider had envisioned. During the infamous rape scene, Schneider’s consent was violated, and her shock and anguish were captured on film. Being Maria captures her life before and after this pivotal moment, showing how this experience led to emotional scars that affected her career, mental health, and personal relationships.
Jessica Palud’s film offers an intimate portrayal of a woman thrust into a position of fame she was unprepared for, and ultimately, a public figure haunted by her mistreatment. Through the eyes of her cousin Vanessa Schneider, whose memoir serves as the source material, Being Maria sheds light on Maria’s inner turmoil and strength as she struggled to regain control of her life.
The Performances: A Deep Dive
One of the standout features of Being Maria is Anamaria Vartolomei’s haunting portrayal of Schneider. Known for her award-winning role in Happening (2020), Vartolomei conveys the emotional weight of Schneider’s trauma with sensitivity and depth. She captures the vulnerability, rage, and confusion that Schneider felt as her career spiraled out of control following the production of Last Tango in Paris.
Matt Dillon, as Marlon Brando, and Giuseppe Maggio, as Bernardo Bertolucci, bring complexity to their roles. Both actors are shown to be blinded by their artistic ambitions, failing to see the devastating effects of their actions on a young and impressionable Schneider. Palud’s nuanced direction ensures that while their characters are not entirely demonized, they are held accountable for the harm they caused.
Themes: Timely and Resonant
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, Being Maria feels especially poignant. It addresses themes of power imbalance, exploitation, and the toll that the entertainment industry can take on vulnerable actors, particularly women. Schneider’s story is one of many that highlights the darker side of Hollywood, where artistic ambition sometimes overshadows moral responsibility. By focusing on Schneider’s perspective, the film ensures that her voice — long overshadowed by the fame of her co-stars and director — is finally heard.
Palud presents Schneider as more than just a victim. She is a multifaceted character who, despite her struggles, fought against the system that wronged her. Being Maria emphasizes how her outspokenness about her mistreatment, though ignored during her lifetime, paved the way for future generations to hold the film industry accountable.
Where to Watch “Being Maria” Online
For viewers in the U.S., Being Maria is available on various streaming platforms. You can stream it on:
- Amazon Prime Video: For those with an Amazon Prime subscription, the film is available to rent or purchase. You can either stream it instantly or download it for offline viewing.
- Apple TV: On Apple TV, Being Maria is available for both rental and purchase. This platform is known for offering high-quality HD streams.
- Vudu: Offering both rental and purchase options, Vudu allows viewers to either rent the film for a limited time or buy it to keep.
- YouTube Movies: For a one-time fee, you can rent or buy the movie on YouTube, which offers the flexibility to watch on multiple devices.
Conclusion
Being Maria is a heartfelt and troubling portrait of Maria Schneider, an actress whose life was irrevocably altered by a single film. While flawed in certain aspects, such as its occasional melodramatic tendencies, the film resonates because it addresses issues that are still prevalent today — the exploitation of women in the entertainment industry. Jessica Palud’s direction, coupled with a stellar performance from Anamaria Vartolomei, elevates Being Maria into a significant piece of cinema that will provoke important conversations for years to come.
