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 gentle best 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.
What We Thought:
Growing up my parents, particularly my mom, were big Elvis Presley fans so I heard his music in the house all the time as a kid. My parents to this day still listen to him and I can personally name dozens of his songs so I was looking forward to Priscilla especially with Priscilla Presley involved in its story. I have to say, it didn’t disappoint me as an Elvis fan.
If last year’s Elvis put Austin Butler on the map, Priscilla will do the same for Cailee Spaeny. I don’t think I’m familiar with her previous work, but she gives a breakthrough performance in the titular role. She is stunning both physically and in her performance. From young girl living overseas, to the wife of The King, Spaeny dominates the screen. She is award worthy throughout the highs and lows of her relationship with Elvis.
My biggest concern going into the movie was how badly they were going to portray Elvis. We all know he wasn’t a saint, but with him first meeting Priscilla when she was underage, they could have really crucified him and made him look bad. I’m glad that they don’t. They talk about his drug use and giving her pills and him being a womanizer, but in terms of their relationship early on, he comes across pretty gentlemanly actually. Elvis fans who know some of the horror stories about him won’t find anything too surprising in the film which I appreciate.
Another concern I had going into the film was director Sofia Coppola is known for using music that isn’t from the time period of her movies. I’m not a fan of music that doesn’t fit the era normally, but it’s done well here. I know it’s one of Coppola’s trademarks so I was expecting it and it didn’t feel out of place. There is a lack of Elvis music, but you can go watch Austin Butler do that. This is Priscilla’s story, not Presley’s.
As for Jacob Elordi as Elvis, he’s fine. With him playing second fiddle to Priscilla, the film didn’t require an Austin Butler type performance. Plus Spaeny is so incredibly good that her performance would have dominated anyone else in the movie. Elordi does what is needed for the role, but it’s Spaeny who will get all the buzz.
I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed Priscilla. It might honestly make my top 10 list for 2023. Spaeny will definitely be in all conversations about performances for the year from me. Coppola brings a lot of style to the film with the way it’s shot, lit and especially the wardrobe. Spaeny’s transformation from shy girl to someone women are jealous of is told through clothing, hairstyles and everything involved in the lifestyle. If Elvis was over the top and excessive like The King himself, Priscilla tells a genuine story about first love and getting caught up in the chaos that was Elvis Presley.
Written and Directed by: Sofia Coppola
Based on the Book “Elvis and Me” by: Priscilla Presley with Sandra Harmon
Produced by: Sofia Coppola, Lorenzo Mieli, Youree Henley
Starring: Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi
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