The testimony of Isabelle Romée, Jeanne’s mother, serves as punctuation for a look at Saint Joan the soldier — France, 1429. Deciding she needs to look and fight like a boy, Jeanne cuts her hair and learns to use a sword. All to help her convince the men in power that she is prepared for battle. Rivette chose to avoid all Joan of Arc clichés. He presents the historical figure as a warrior with only her faith for strength.