Priscilla (2023) Film Review: Thoughtful biographical melodrama with enthralling execution
- reeltalkin'
- Jul 6
- 4 min read
Written, directed and produced by Sofia Coppola (Lost in Translation, 2003) and based on the 1985 memoir Elvis and Me by Priscilla Presley, who also serves as executive producer for the cinematic adaptation, this tenderly directed film explores the deeply personal, intimate story of the complicated romantic relationship between the 'Kind of Rock and Roll' and the titular Priscilla Beaulieu.
The real-life events behind this dramatisation of the couple's life together are a truly fascinating case study in their own right, as Priscilla was only fourteen years old when she met Elvis in his mid-20s, who was already a meteoric rock-and-roll superstar. It is unsurprising that she would develop a huge crush on every teenage girl's idol at the time, not only becoming Presley's romantic partner, but also bringing out his more unexpected, vulnerable side during their private encounters.
Coppola opts to implement an inspired visual aesthetic, which elevates the narrative to that of a gothic fairytale. The film exhibits beautiful, crisp cinematography and direction throughout with warm lighting and pastel colours that really pop within the frame, displaying a wonderful attention to detail for the classic period of the 1950s/60s.
The movie's opening credits and scene introducing viewers to Priscilla, taking place in a classic American diner, do a splendid job of immersion into this nostalgic time in human history. Every set design oozes methodical accuracy and irresistible attraction, from the iconic glass Coca-Cola bottles, vintage cars, and art deco, to the overall design of a teenager's bedroom, complete with magazines, record players, and posters of classic movies from the era, like On the Waterfront (1954).
Audiences are introduced to Priscilla (Cailee Spaeny, Alien: Romulus, 2024; Civil War, 2024) when she is just a schoolgirl, dressed prim and proper in a pink cardigan, crisp white shirt, and skirt - not a hair is out of place. She is the ideal image of youth and innocence, and her ordinary, suburban life is changed forever when she is introduced to Elvis Presley (Jacob Elordi, Euphoria, 2019 - 2022; Saltburn, 2023).
The beginning of their relationship is presented as the ultimate teenage dream, complete with the cliché perfect first date as Elvis takes her to the cinema and drops her off at her parents' house with a parting kiss, like a true gentleman. It certainly feels too good to be true, and Coppola does a splendid job of sprinkling in the dark, disturbing elements of their relationship from the beginning.
There is always an underlying sense of melancholia to the narrative, as we watch a young, impressionable girl fall head over heels for the devilishly handsome, dashing musical icon and is plucked from one lifestyle to a drastically different one, full of glitz, glamour, and drugs.
The controversial age gap between the couple is a worrying concern for Priscilla's conservative parents, greatly exacerbated by the striking height difference between the leads, and things become even more alarming when Elvis begins to emotionally manipulate and groom his new muse soon after she moves into Graceland with him.
Their already complicated relationship becomes toxic and co-dependent, with Priscilla almost becoming like a trophy wife whilst Elvis is away on tour. She completely loses her sense of personal identity and individuality as she molds her physical appearance to appeal to his desires, dying her hair black and only wearing plain dresses.
There is a tangible sense of tragedy and almost horror-like qualities to the film, as Priscilla is quite literally abused by her partner, not even being allowed to engage in full sexual intercourse until they are married and she is deemed 'old enough'. It is refreshingly unique and admirable for the filmmakers to take this alternative point of view revolving around the 'King's' life, actually shining a rather negative light on Elvis and witnessing his disturbing behaviours behind closed doors.
Cailee Spaeny gives a truly extraordinary performance in the lead role, and she very deservedly received critical acclaim and recognition in the form of prestigious awards, winning Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival. She expertly rises to the challenge of acting each stage of Priscilla's growth and change with ease, believably capturing the quiet maturity and confidence of this strong female figure flawlessly.
It is a complete, physically transformative role which requires a great deal of emotional turmoil, and Spaeny proves herself as more than capable of rising to the occasion. Her career has definitely taken an exciting journey in recent years, and it will be a delight to see what else she has in store for us!
Additionally, Jacob Elordi had the largely unenviable task of taking on the mantle from Austin Butler's highly regarded turn as the iconic Elvis Presley, whose performance received much attention and acclaim only one year prior in the appropriately named Baz Luhrmann feature Elvis (2022).
Elordi achieves a significantly admirable feat of playing the larger-than-life persona of Elvis, without taking away the spotlight from his co-star, Spaeny. He effectively captures the voice and mannerisms of Presley, fully committing to the darker side of the icon's life, giving a much more understated performance than Butler's and sharing compelling chemistry with Cailee, despite the obvious sinister implications of the relationship.
Although there are clear comparisons to be made between the two films released in close proximity to each other, revolving around the prolific life of Elvis Presley, Priscilla arguably outshines its predecessor as the superior product.
The film is delicately handled with solemn sincerity from director Sofia Coppola and the remarkable lead, Cailee Spaeny, crafting a contemplative, emotionally resonant viewing experience which displays a gorgeously entrancing visual style and lovely performances all around.
Check out the trailer for Priscilla (2023) below, and please let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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