I wasn’t too sure what to think about this movie but boy am I pleased I did. The biopic Priscilla presents life with Elvis from a unique perspective, that of his wife. It’s a fascinating look into a life that we thought we knew.
The story starts with us meeting the innocent schoolgirl Priscilla Beaulieu (Cailee Spaeny). Like most girls her age she’s focused on friends, school and music. Elvis’s music.
Living on a German army base she gets invited to a party hosted by the rockstar. A call is placed to her parents ensuring them that she will be chaperoned at all times.
At the party she meets Elvis. Not Elvis the hip-swiveling star. The man she meets is a lonely, vulnerable man who chats about his mother and life back home. No doubt for a young girl it would’ve been intoxicating.
Over time as Elvis’s star continues to rise, the friendship develops, confidences exchanged.
“What am I meant to do with all this influence,” says Elvis.
Eventually Priscilla is invited to Graceland, not just for a night or a weekend but to live, and it comes with conditions. Conditions like no friends can come over. Love is one thing but being a bird in a gilded cage is another.
As the last frame faded, I pondered:
- At times the movie is incredibly difficult to watch with 2023 eyes. Red flags and alarm bells ring loud;
- It’s fascinating to watch this movie having seen the other Elvis movie not long ago;
- The movie is a reminder that we have no idea what really goes on inside anyone’s relationship and that there are always three sides to a story – his side, her side and the truth somewhere in between.
- The story has more gravitas knowing the Priscilla is behind it. Clearly, a brave woman, walking away from Elvis and opening up the shutters years later.
For more information go to Luna Cinemas.
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