Everyone knows of American Icon Elvis Presley. “King of Rock and Roll”. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches. But who knows anything about Priscilla Presley other than her role as Elvis’ wife? To give Priscilla a voice and story, director Sofia Coppola wrote and directed the film Priscilla, recently released on November 3. I thoroughly enjoyed this film from start to finish, but before we delve into the story itself, let’s start with some background. Spoilers ahead, consider yourself warned.
Sofia Coppola is famous for directing countless popular films throughout the years, including but not limited to Marie Antoinette, The Virgin Suicides, and Lost in Translation. She begins the story with Priscilla (Cailee Spaeny) as a young fourteen-year-old girl, meeting Elvis (Jacob Elordi) for the first time and growing increasingly closer to him. Beautifully shot with stills of porcelain, bows, and Priscilla’s infamous eyeliner, her feminine grace and youth are instantly captured as the movie picks up speed.
Priscilla’s story is painfully real, as she feels the infatuation and, what she believes to be, love for Elvis. However, she simultaneously experiences the grief, insecurity, and consequences of dating a budding star. Although she is beyond thrilled to move to Nashville into Elvis’ house, his constant absence is an undeniable weight on Priscilla’s shoulders. She tries to occupy herself with school and hobbies but instead fixates on the rumors of Elvis’ affairs with actresses and longs for comfort and reassurance. Although many scenes show the couple having fun together in lavish, Hollywood-esque settings, the happiness is tainted by pills, violence, and unfulfilled needs. The unbridled truth of Priscilla’s relationship with Elvis is depicted in a way that makes the viewer wince in pain for a young girl who molded herself to fit the vision Elvis wished to see: dyed black hair, striking eye makeup, and skintight dresses in the colors that he preferred. No one should feel pressure to apply makeup before giving birth, and the tragic part is that these things have truly happened.
Following the film’s premiere, Priscilla Presley approved of her portrayal, declaring, “I think it’s right on, to be honest with you.” She felt this way despite the concerns of her late daughter, Lisa Marie, who did not want her father shown in a negative light. Regardless, I believe Priscilla’s story is an important one to share, as she stands for universal challenges in the transition from girlhood to womanhood. From being taken advantage of from a young age to being in an unhealthy relationship and losing herself, many women can relate to some part of her story and find solace in her endurance. In my eyes, Priscilla is a devastating masterpiece that in no way sugarcoats the abuse, love-bombing, cheating, and damage that actually happened in the relationship and life of Priscilla Presley.