A 'poignant' and 'mesmerising' film offering an inside look at one of the biggest music stars in history airs on BBC2 tonight. Priscilla, directed by Sofia Coppola, tells the untold story of Priscilla Beaulieu's relationship with Elvis Presley from her perspective, focusing on her isolation and coming-of-age.
The film begins with Priscilla as a teenage girl in Germany meeting the superstar, and explores Elvis's allure as a crush and friend before revealing the darker, lonely reality behind the myth. It portrays his controlling nature and the struggles with his fame and drug use, highlighting the loneliness she felt even in a crowded house.
Upon its release in 2023, Priscilla received a lengthy standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival and strong reviews, with particular praise for Cailee Spaeny's portrayal of Priscilla opposite Jacob Elordi's Elvis. The film holds an impressive 84 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer.
Fans have also been won over. One reviewer wrote: 'Great movie! Very engrossing – felt like I was right there with her every step of the way. The chemistry between the lead actors was mesmerising.' Another said: 'A really well done biopic... truly shows how even in a house full of people she was still lonely.'
A third added: 'This movie is absolutely beautiful. It captures the effects and struggles of a toxic relationship, especially one with an age gap.' Another viewer described it as 'a poignant but refreshing new lens into the impact of Elvis Presley from his wife’s perspective.'
