Priscilla (2024)

Written for RAF News December 2023

Based on Priscilla Presley’s memoir, Sofia Coppola looks at the young wife of the ‘King of Rock’ in this beautifully languid biopic.

Priscilla (Cailee Spaeny) is just a child when she meets Elvis (Jacob Elordi): she is 14, he is 24. They are in West Germany where Priscilla’s father is stationed as a United States Air Force officer, and where Elvis has been drafted to serve. Finding out that she is from Texas, he enquires after her, wanting the company of someone who reminds him of home.

This is 1959 and so Priscilla is already a fan, along with everyone else. Elvis doesn’t appear predatory, rather he is nervous, bouncing his leg uncontrollably and unable to hold eye contact. When the two become involved, it is not sexual to begin with, but it is abundantly clear that she is a child, a china-doll to dress up, and in fact ‘little girl’ becomes her affectionately ascribed moniker. Pulled into a world of rock and roll and hi-jinx with the icon of desire, the excitement is unlike any other. Back to her regular life as a school girl, the classroom is colourless by comparison. We see the indelible and rapturous effect that this relationship has had, and will continue to have.

Spaeny is perfect casting for the titular role. She manages to portray a childlike wonder alongside trepidation for things serious and adult, into which she is quickly slipping. Though their early exchanges are charged with a classical romance (the soundtrack borrowing from the period and contemporary music with great affect), the clear difference in size and frame keep you in mind of the gap between them. Jacob Elordi offers a charismatic Elvis with more subdued affectations, it is an intriguing performance that makes you lean in. As the story progresses, and their relationship intensifies, a darker side will be brought out by his affections for other women and pills.

Coppola is perfectly suited for this tale of young romance, and captures it with exquisite design. Dramatically, it feels restrained, and can quickly fizzle out. A true confectionery treat that is delicious but fleeting.