Priscilla

Priscilla (2023)

A Touching, Personal Escape from the Gilded Cage

★★★★☆

Watched 10 Feb 2024 — A superior, grounded exploration of a life lived in the orbit of a legend.

Directed by Sofia Coppola, Priscilla arrives as a more intimate and effective counterpoint to the flashy biopics we've seen recently. Coppola excels at capturing the subtle seduction of a young girl into the celebrity orbit of Elvis Presley, illustrating the romantic entanglement and the inevitable isolation that follows. While the film doesn't shy away from the problematic age gap and power dynamics, it treats its subjects with a steady, empathetic hand. It is a story of a naive teenager evolving into a seasoned, courageous woman who finally finds the strength to reclaim her own life.

"Her steady hand keeps the perspective on Priscilla even though the temptation is to fall under the spell of the charismatic Elvis... Time will look more favorably on the movie Priscilla."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Sofia Coppola
• Starring: Cailee Spaeny, Jacob Elordi
• Supporting: Ari Cohen, Dagmara Dominczyk, Tim Post
• Studio: [A24](https://a24films.com)

The Vision

Coppola’s directorial fingerprints are all over this work, emphasizing internal reflection over external spectacle. Her vision prioritizes Priscilla’s perspective, resisting the urge to let the charismatic Elvis hijack the narrative. By focusing on the quiet moments of loneliness within Graceland, she highlights the "no-win situation" Priscilla’s parents faced and the emotional abuse that stemmed from Elvis’s growing addictions. It is a beautifully illustrated look at the "elephant in the room," presenting the relationship’s complexities with a sincerity that makes the third-act departure feel earned and heroic.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Venice Victory: [Cailee Spaeny](https://www.imdb.com) won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival for her nuanced portrayal of Priscilla's growth.
• Height Difference: To emphasize Priscilla's vulnerability, Sofia Coppola frequently utilized [Jacob Elordi’s 6'5" stature](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com) to make him tower over the 5'1" Spaeny.
• Music Licensing: Unlike the 2022 biopic, this film does not feature [Elvis Presley's music](https://www.rollingstone.com) because the estate denied licensing, forcing the production to use era-appropriate covers and anachronistic indie-pop.

✅ Pros

• Touchingly personal and grounded perspective.
• Exceptional performance by Cailee Spaeny.
• Excellent directorial focus that avoids the "Elvis trap."

❌ Cons

• Slow, deliberate pacing might frustrate fans of flashy biopics.
• Lack of original Elvis music may be jarring for some.
• Exploration of the age gap remains uncomfortable and difficult.

🏆 Final Verdict

The superior Elvis-related film of recent years. It is a seasoned, experienced look at a famous relationship that finally gives the title character the understanding and sympathy she deserves.

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