Priscilla – Movie Review

Priscilla by director and writer Sofia Copella, is based on the memoir Elvis and Me.

“Priscilla” is an unsettling attempt to paint Elvis Presley in a bad light, a film that overstays its welcome with amateur performances and questionable directorial decisions. It plays like a low-budget, made-for-TV movie that fails to capture the essence of Elvis and Priscilla’s relationship and leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of Elvis fans.

From the start, it’s clear that “Priscilla” is anything but a love letter to Elvis. If you are an Elvis fan, you should stay far away from this movie. It is undeniably anti-Elvis, portraying the King of Rock and Roll as less-than-admirable. It is no secret the life he lived and the issues he faced. The movie’s central premise seems to be the absence of true love or romance between Elvis and Priscilla, which leaves viewers wondering why this film was even made. Unfortunately, it adds nothing new to the story. Instead, it focuses most of its runtime on an underage Priscilla starting high school and dating a much older Elvis, which raises uncomfortable questions.

The performances are a mixed bag at best.

Cailee Spaeny’s portrayal of Priscilla lacks depth and comes across as monotone and low-energy. Whether this was intentional or not, it makes it difficult for the audience to connect with her character. Jacob Elordi’s Elvis is equally uninspiring, especially compared to Austin Butler’s unforgettable performance in Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis,” which came out around the same time. Elordi’s Elvis fails to capture the charisma and magnetism that made Elvis an iconic figure in music history.

Sofia Coppola’s direction and storytelling choices leave much to be desired. The movie’s narrative is disjointed. It jumps between various moments in Elvis and Priscilla’s relationship without providing a cohesive or engaging story. The decision to tell the story through Priscilla’s eyes is an interesting concept. However it doesn’t do justice to the depth and complexity of their relationship. The film fails to explore the true essence of their connection, opting instead for a superficial and one-sided perspective.

Verdict

I give Priscilla 2.5 out of 5 stars. It is a missed opportunity to delve into the intricate love, fantasy, and fame surrounding Elvis and Priscilla’s relationship. It fails to offer any new insights or perspectives, and its portrayal of Elvis will disappoint fans of the legendary musician. With its lackluster performances and questionable directorial decisions, “Priscilla” is a forgettable and disappointing addition to the Elvis Presley cinematic universe.

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