Set in rural France after World War I, the story follows Raphaël (Raphaël Thiéry), a soldier who returns home to find that his wife has died, leaving him with their infant daughter, Juliette. Struggling to reintegrate into society, Raphaël works as a carpenter while raising Juliette with the help of an elderly woman in their village. Despite facing prejudice and hardship, Juliette (Juliette Jouan) grows into a strong-willed young woman who dreams of escaping her small-town life.

As Juliette comes of age, she finds herself drawn to music and poetry, yearning for a world beyond the limitations imposed on her. Meanwhile, a mysterious prophecy from a wandering sorceress foretells that one day, red sails will appear on the river, carrying a man who will take her away to a brighter future. When Jean (Louis Garrel), a charismatic aviator, arrives, Juliette’s destiny begins to unfold in unexpected ways.

Marcello infuses the film with a dreamlike atmosphere, using rich cinematography, folk music, and a blend of realism and fantasy. Scarlet explores themes of hope, perseverance, and the power of imagination against societal constraints. While it is a slow-burning narrative, its poetic storytelling and strong performances make it a visually and emotionally captivating experience.