For the past couple of months, it feels as though everyone is highly anticipating Priscilla, myself included. I stumble upon clips and trailers of the movie constantly while I’m scrolling through my feed or For You page. So when Priscilla finally came to theaters, my friends and I practically sprinted to the movie theater.
Priscilla is an A24 film directed by the artistically brilliant Sofia Coppola, and based on Priscilla Presley’s memoir Elvis and Me. After the rebirth of the Elvis craze – put into motion by the release of the biopic Elvis in 2022 – it was only fitting to make a motion picture revealing the perspective of Priscilla Presley, Elvis’s ex-wife and the mother of his only child.
Coppola’s film told a riveting and significant story on the unknown side of Elvis. Priscilla Presley, played by the lovely Cailee Spaeny, endured many hardships while married to Elvis, played by the Australian heartthrob, Jacob Elordi, but always remained a supportive, loving wife and mother. The film follows her perspective of her life with Elvis and shows the way in which she molded herself to fit Elvis’ wants and needs. Not only does the film honor Priscilla’s struggles as a vital part of the Elvis empire, but it also depicts the ways in which Elvis groomed, manipulated, and belittled Priscilla.
I think that Priscilla is an important film to consider when thinking about Elvis and his legacy. I sometimes view my favorite artists as perfect or even god-like, but it is crucial to remember that many artists are not who we perceive them to be. This film shows the real and raw side of Elvis, an Elvis that was not always loving and thoughtful. After watching the film, I gained a new respect for Priscilla and her journey to freedom. Seeing her grow from a naive and malleable girl to a vibrant and independent young woman was inspiring. Her bravery to leave the love of her life and prioritize her own needs takes unimaginable strength and perseverance. Overall, I think that Priscilla was just as artistically appealing as it was pivotal in its storytelling of Priscilla’s life with Elvis. I left the theater admiring Priscilla’s iconic beauty, but most importantly her commendable power and resilience.