‘Mesmerising’ film tells dark true story of huge star’s life on BBC tonight | Films | Entertainment
A ‘moving’ and ‘captivating’ film offering an intimate glimpse into the life of one of the greatest music legends is being lauded by fans, and it’s airing on BBC2 tonight.
Priscilla, released in 2023, is Sofia Coppola’s biopic that unveils the untold tale of Priscilla Beaulieu’s relationship with Elvis Presley from her viewpoint. It chronicles their whirlwind romance, marriage, and eventual split.
The film delves into her feelings of isolation and her journey to adulthood, beginning when she was a teenager in Germany meeting the music icon.
The film explores Elvis’s charm as both a crush and friend, but also exposes the darker, lonelier truth behind the legend, as she grapples with his domineering nature and battles with his fame and drug use.
Upon its initial release, the film received a prolonged standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival and garnered rave reviews, particularly for Cailee Spaeny’s portrayal of Priscilla opposite Jacob Elordi’s Elvis.
The film has since won over audiences, boasting an impressive score of 84 percent on the Tomatometer on film ratings website Rotten Tomatoes.
One five-star review said: “Great movie! Very engrossing – felt like I was right there with her every step of the way. The chemistry between the lead actors was mesmerizing.”, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/poignant-film-tells-hidden-loneliness-36498433″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.
Another added: “A really well done biopic about Priscilla. Truly shows how even in a house full of people she was still lonely. Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi work really well as Elvis and Priscilla especially with the height difference. The music complements the film really well even without any Elvis songs. One I will rewatch over and over again.
“This movie is absolutely beautiful. i could watch it over and over again. it captures the affects and struggles of a toxic relationship, especially one with an age gap,” wrote a third viewer.
A fourth said: “A fascinating insight into the life of a very well-loved superstar, and a timid young girl. Everything, from the direction, to the acting, and to the costumes, was executed with perfection and elegance.
“Cailee Spaeny’s performance was outstanding, and her articulating her body language to say something without needing her voice was truly captivating. Jacob Elordi perfectly delivered the environment needed for Elvis Presley, the watcher both being disgusted by his actions, but still enamoured by his charm and charisma. No notes. Sofia Coppola, you did it again.”
Another read: “A poignant but refreshing new lens into the impact of Elvis Presley from his wife Priscilla’s perspective. It shows just how inappropriate and messed up their relationship was, with just how young and isolated she was while under his increasingly dysfunctional and manipulative influence that feels genuinely creepy and unsettling.
“The main cast is terrific and feels more subtle than the previous Elvis movie. The cinematography is gorgeous and very engaging. My only major issue is that the final portion of the film feels too rushed and condensed. The pacing of the film up to that point flowed very well, but the end feels a little hollow with less payoff than what we could’ve gotten, at least compared to the previous Elvis movie (credit where credit is due). That being said, it’s still a terrific biopic that sheds new light on one of America’s most famous celebrity couples.”
Priscilla airs on Tuesday 6 January at 11pm on BBC2.
