Cody Englander, Staff Writer

[A24; 2023]

Rating: 8/10

Sofia Coppola slowly entrances the audience through the eyes of a young Priscilla Presley, the former wife of singer Elvis Presley. In this film, our introduction to Elvis is through her introduction to him. Elvis’ large stature to the audience and Priscilla alike is awe-inducing. 

Jacob Elordi takes up half the screen every time, clouding the subtle performance of Cailee Spaeny in a purposeful statement by Coppola. The movie never outright makes a profound statement in opposition of Elvis, but it simulates the experience Priscilla goes through. The grueling repetition of sets and actions gives the movie such an uncomfortable feel in the colored and cushiony Graceland. 

Read more: Movie Review: The Burial 

The decision to not include Elvis’s music, both by Coppola and Elvis’ estate, is for the better. We never truly get to see the superstar Elvis, only the side that he decides to show Priscilla. There is no “idealized Elvis”,’ there is simply just Elvis. Although we see everything through her eyes, we never get the chance to fall in love with him. We have to face the disheartening evolution of his actions, worsening as Priscilla grows up. 

The costume designs, done by Stacey Battat, emulate the extravagant real-life clothes worn by the characters, and deliver a second driving force in the overprotective and predatory cycles Priscilla goes through. Her hairstyle constantly changes throughout, evoking different emotions and moods that tell an accompanying story of how she wants to be seen by Elvis. 

The movie doesn’t leave much beneath the surface. It shows you everything and the filmmaking isn‘t subtle. The script may be the most obvious of everything, but that’s why it works. Sofia Coppola has never been subtle, it’s one of her strong suits. Stylistic pieces like “Marie Antoinette” and “The Virgin Suicides” gives her the artistic reputation she rightfully deserves. 

Priscilla Presley, having written the memoir this movie is based on, allows for the personal story of her relationship to be seen by the world. The personal lens, while certainly influenced by how the story is told through the memoir and her executive producer credit on this movie, gives a more intimate experience. One that has undoubtedly been lived, and a story that is without a doubt worth telling.