A 'moving' and 'captivating' film offering an intimate glimpse into the life of a legendary music icon has been lauded by fans, and it's airing on BBC2 tonight.
Priscilla, which premiered in 2023, is Sofia Coppola's biographical drama that unveils the untold tale of Priscilla Beaulieu's relationship with Elvis Presley. The narrative unfolds from her perspective, chronicling their whirlwind romance, marriage, and eventual parting.
The film delves into her feelings of isolation and her journey to adulthood, beginning when she was a teenager in Germany who met the music superstar. While the film explores Elvis's charm as a crush and friend, it also exposes the darker, lonelier truth behind the legend, as she grapples with his domineering personality and battles with his fame and drug addiction.
Upon its initial release, the film received a prolonged standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival and garnered positive reviews, particularly for Cailee Spaeny's portrayal of Priscilla alongside Jacob Elordi's Elvis. The film has since won over audiences, earning an impressive score of 84 percent on the Tomatometer on film ratings website Rotten Tomatoes.
One five-star review stated: "Great movie! Very engrossing - felt like I was right there with her every step of the way. The chemistry between the lead actors was mesmerizing", reports the Mirror.
Another commented: "A really well done biopic about Priscilla. Truly shows how even in a house full of people she was still lonely. Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi work really well as Elvis and Priscilla especially with the height difference. The music complements the film really well even without any Elvis songs. One I will rewatch over and over again.
"This movie is absolutely beautiful. i could watch it over and over again. it captures the affects and struggles of a toxic relationship, especially one with an age gap," remarked a third viewer. A fourth added: "A fascinating insight into the life of a very well-loved superstar, and a timid young girl. Everything, from the direction, to the acting, and to the costumes, was executed with perfection and elegance.
"Cailee Spaeny's performance was outstanding, and her articulating her body language to say something without needing her voice was truly captivating. Jacob Elordi perfectly delivered the environment needed for Elvis Presley, the watcher both being disgusted by his actions, but still enamoured by his charm and charisma. No notes. Sofia Coppola, you did it again."
Another review stated: "A poignant but refreshing new lens into the impact of Elvis Presley from his wife Priscilla's perspective. It shows just how inappropriate and messed up their relationship was, with just how young and isolated she was while under his increasingly dysfunctional and manipulative influence that feels genuinely creepy and unsettling.
"The main cast is terrific and feels more subtle than the previous Elvis movie. The cinematography is gorgeous and very engaging. My only major issue is that the final portion of the film feels too rushed and condensed. The pacing of the film up to that point flowed very well, but the end feels a little hollow with less payoff than what we could've gotten, at least compared to the previous Elvis movie (credit where credit is due). That being said, it's still a terrific biopic that sheds new light on one of America's most famous celebrity couples."