About the film (courtesy of A24):
When teenage Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley at a party, the man who is already a meteoric rock-and-roll superstar becomes someone entirely unexpected in private moments: a thrilling crush, an ally in loneliness, a vulnerable friend. Through Priscilla’s eyes, Sofia Coppola tells the unseen side of a great American myth in Elvis and Priscilla’s long courtship and turbulent marriage, from a German army base to his dream-world estate at Graceland, in this deeply felt and ravishingly detailed portrait of love, fantasy and fame.
Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla is a stunning and emotionally resonant biographical film about the life of Priscilla Presley, the former wife of Elvis Presley. Cailee Spaeney gives a breakthrough performance as Priscilla, capturing her vulnerability, strength, and resilience with great skill. Coppola’s direction is masterful, creating a visually stunning and atmospheric world that perfectly captures the glamour and excess of Elvis’s world, as well as the isolation and loneliness that Priscilla often felt.
The film begins with Priscilla as a young teenager, living with her mother in Germany. She is immediately smitten when she meets Elvis, a rising star in the American music scene. Priscilla is swept away by his charisma and talent, and they soon begin a relationship. However, the relationship is not without its challenges. Elvis is a demanding and controlling partner, and Priscilla often feels like she is second best to his career. She is also forced to deal with the constant scrutiny of the media and the public.
Despite the challenges, Priscilla remains committed to Elvis. She marries him in 1967, and they have a daughter, Lisa Marie, the following year. However, the marriage begins to unravel in the early 1970s as Elvis struggles with addiction and infidelity. Priscilla eventually divorces Elvis in 1973, but she remains close to him until his death in 1977. In the years since, she has become a successful businesswoman and author.
Priscilla is a complex and nuanced portrait of a woman who lived a truly extraordinary life. Coppola does not shy away from the darker aspects of Priscilla’s story, but she also celebrates her strength and resilience. Spaeney’s performance is simply breathtaking as she captures Priscilla’s many different facets, from her girlish innocence to her newfound independence.
Even though the narrative is clearly focused on its titular character, Priscilla won’t succeed without strong performances from its supporting cast. Jacob Elordi leads this list as Elvis who, and for good reason, is always front and center.
Elordi does a admirable job checking the boxes needed to come across an “effective Elvis” where it matters. Ari Cohen and Dagmara Dominczyk play Priscilla’s parents, providing an early strong base, as well as attentional levity down the line. Tim Post comes across as a very stern Vernon Presley, father of Elvis.
Priscilla is also visually stunning. Coppola and cinematographer Philippe Le Sourd create a world that is both glamorous and oppressive. The film’s production design and costumes are also top-notch.
Priscilla is a must-see for fans of Sofia Coppola and biographical films in general. It is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant film that tells the story of a woman who overcame many challenges to find her own voice. This all in spite of being a bit “bogged down” with some unfortunate pacing issues.
Priscilla is available to see exclusively in theaters when it opens nationwide on Friday, November 3rd.
