The criticism and praise so far are all on point. Languid doesn't describe the pace which makes French movies look like action flicks.
However...this might not be a spoiler but will label it so out of an abundance of caution... one scene is worth the wait... when Madelena finally poses, in the nude, and looking down, slowly, almost painfully, silently releases her tensed up arms to reveal her aging body at first with a sort of shame... then gradually raises her head and chin to look proudly then defiantly into the photographer's camera... you get an understanding of this old woman's strength... this one scene demonstrates what acting and direction can achieve...
However...this might not be a spoiler but will label it so out of an abundance of caution... one scene is worth the wait... when Madelena finally poses, in the nude, and looking down, slowly, almost painfully, silently releases her tensed up arms to reveal her aging body at first with a sort of shame... then gradually raises her head and chin to look proudly then defiantly into the photographer's camera... you get an understanding of this old woman's strength... this one scene demonstrates what acting and direction can achieve...