Priscilla review: A complex, clever, and utterly believable look at the Presleys

I can’t help but be fascinated by Priscilla, the biopic that offers a refreshing perspective on the relationship between Priscilla Presley and Elvis. Unlike other films that romanticize their love story, Priscilla sheds light on the complex reality of their connection. Director Sofia Coppola delves into the often uncomfortable dynamics, reminding us that Priscilla was just a naive 14-year-old schoolgirl when she met the 24-year-old superstar.

The movie opens with a scene of Priscilla alone in a diner, sipping a milkshake and doing her homework. She appears both lonely and vulnerable, setting the stage for what unfolds next. It’s the year 1959, and Priscilla is approached by a middle-aged man looking for girls to attend one of Elvis’s famous parties. Despite her reservations, she is eventually convinced to go. This marks the beginning of a perplexing “love” story, where a young girl is groomed, and even drugged, by an adult rock star.

Unlike other films that portray this relationship in black and white, Coppola’s approach is nuanced and thought-provoking. She presents the complexities surrounding the relationship, giving them room to breathe and be understood. Elvis, played by Jacob Elordi, is depicted as a man-child, trapped in his own success. As his manager and father dictate his every move, Priscilla soon finds herself trapped in Elvis’s luxurious yet suffocating world at Graceland.

Coppola, known for her masterful storytelling in films like The Virgin Suicides and Lost in Translation, expertly captures the struggle of clever young women like Priscilla, who are both admired for their beauty and confined by it. Priscilla’s life at Graceland is decadent, but isolating. She becomes pregnant by her disappearing husband, who treats her like a doll, and she has no friends her own age to confide in.

Cailee Spaeny delivers a near-perfect performance as Priscilla, convincingly portraying both her youthful innocence and her later resilience. As Elvis’s behavior shifts from infatuated boyfriend to philandering husband, Spaeny beautifully showcases Priscilla’s transformation. It’s impossible not to fall in love with her character.

On a different note, there’s another film worth mentioning. Scala!!!, a hilarious documentary, takes us back to a time when Scala, a music venue near London’s King’s Cross station, was a vibrant hub of cinematic excellence, decadence, and naughtiness. Co-directed by Jane Giles and journalist Ali Catterall, the film features interviews with former staff, patrons, and notable writers, musicians, and filmmakers who frequented the venue. From 1978 to 1993, Scala offered a unique experience, screening film classics for a diverse audience of outsiders, misfits, artists, and anarchists. This documentary is packed with anecdotes, iconic clips, and a deep appreciation for the cultural significance of Scala.

Lastly, One Life, starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, tells the incredible true story of Nicholas Winton, who rescued 669 endangered children from Czechoslovakia before the Nazi invasion. Hopkins delivers a captivating performance, reminding us of his remarkable talent even at the age of 86. This heartwarming film showcases Winton’s determination, fueled by the support of his mother, played by Helena Bonham Carter. It leaves a lasting impact, highlighting the importance of compassion and bravery during dark times.

These three films offer diverse narratives, each with its own unique appeal. Whether you’re drawn to the complex relationships portrayed in Priscilla, the nostalgia and cultural significance of Scala, or the inspiring true story of Nicholas Winton in One Life, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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