Priscilla unravels the untold story

Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla explores the glitz and heartache of living in Elvis’s shadow. Unlike typical biopics of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, this film centers on the woman beside him, Priscilla Presley, capturing the trials of her youth, the allure of fame, and the price of living in a world not truly her own. The narrative is deeply personal, wrapped in Coppola’s signature dreamy aesthetic and told with a raw honesty that might surprise audiences more familiar with the couple’s glamorous facade.

Cailee Spaeny, in the title role, delivers a haunting performance that balances vulnerability with a quiet strength. The film follows Priscilla from her adolescence, meeting Elvis in Germany, to her life at Graceland. Jacob Elordi as Elvis brings both charm and discomfort to the role, capturing the complexity of a man who was both deeply charismatic and possessively controlling. Coppola’s screenplay doesn’t shy away from the power imbalance between the couple, portraying the darker aspects of Priscilla’s early marriage with subtlety and care.

The cinematography is stunning, drenched in a nostalgic haze that gives the film a sense of timelessness. Coppola captures the stark contrast between the glitzy life of Elvis and the isolation Priscilla feels within it. The attention to period detail is impeccable, from the costumes to the set design, vividly bringing the 60s and 70s back to life. Yet, the film’s real strength lies in its quieter moments—those candid scenes where Priscilla’s longing for freedom becomes almost palpable.

At times, Priscilla meanders, and the pacing may test the patience of those expecting a more traditional, event-driven biopic. However, this deliberate pacing is part of its charm, emphasizing the slow, sometimes painful evolution of Priscilla’s character. Coppola’s direction gives the audience room to feel the constraints and suffocation of living under Elvis’s watchful eye, making her eventual desire for independence all the more resonant.

Overall, Priscilla is a poignant character study rather than a scandal-filled tell-all. It’s more interested in the emotions and psychology of its lead than in merely recounting events. Coppola crafts a compelling narrative about the loss and reclamation of one’s identity, anchored by a remarkable performance from Spaeny. It’s a subtle, sobering reminder that even in the dazzling world of rock ‘n’ roll, the people behind the glamour are as fragile and human as the rest of us.