Priscilla Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A teenager meets a rockstar, gets trapped in a gilded cage of hairspray and uppers, and eventually realizes she deserves better than a man who treats her like a fancy poodle.

🍿 Priscilla: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Meeting Elvis in Germany

In 1959, 14-year-old Priscilla Beaulieu, living in West Germany with her family, encounters Elvis Presley, a 24-year-old music sensation serving in the U.S. military. Elvis is immediately drawn to Priscilla, initiating a casual yet controversial relationship given their age difference. Their initial interactions are marked by Elvis’s charm and Priscilla’s naivete. Elvis finds comfort in Priscilla’s company, confiding in her about his loneliness and missing his recently deceased mother. This connection deepens despite the disapproval of Priscilla’s parents, who eventually allow the relationship to continue under certain conditions, highlighting the era’s social norms and Elvis’s persuasive influence.

Moving to Graceland

After Elvis returns to the United States, contact with Priscilla fades. However, in 1962, Elvis invites her to visit him in Memphis, Tennessee, rekindling their romance. He eventually convinces her parents to allow her to live at Graceland under the care of his family. Priscilla moves to Memphis, attending a Catholic school and navigating life within the confines of Graceland. While she enjoys Elvis’s company, she experiences loneliness during his frequent absences for filming in Los Angeles. The isolation and rumors of Elvis’s infidelity begin to strain their relationship, showcasing the challenges of being involved with a global superstar.

Marriage and Growing Dissatisfaction

Elvis proposes to Priscilla in 1966, and they marry in a Las Vegas ceremony in 1967. Soon after, Priscilla becomes pregnant with their daughter, Lisa Marie. Despite these joyful moments, their marriage faces increasing challenges. Elvis’s prescription drug use, volatile temper, and continued infidelities contribute to their growing distance. Priscilla seeks greater independence, feeling confined by her role as Elvis’s wife and the expectations placed upon her. The film portrays the power dynamics within their relationship, with Elvis exerting control over Priscilla’s appearance and activities. This creates a sense of disillusionment for Priscilla, who yearns for a life of her own.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Priscilla (Cailee Spaeny): A young and impressionable teenager who becomes romantically involved with Elvis Presley and navigates the challenges of being his wife.
• Elvis (Jacob Elordi): The meteoric rock-and-roll superstar who develops a complex and controlling relationship with a much younger Priscilla.
• Captain Beaulieu (Ari Cohen): Priscilla’s stepfather who initially expresses reservations about her relationship with Elvis due to the age gap.
• Ann Beaulieu (Dagmara Dominczyk): Priscilla’s mother, who grapples with the decision to allow her teenage daughter to be involved with a famous older man.
• Vernon Presley (Tim Post): Elvis’s father, who helps facilitate Priscilla’s move to Graceland and provides some level of guidance.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Elvis: “Have I lost you to another man?” – Elvis asks Priscilla this question, showing his concern and possessiveness.
• Priscilla: “You’re losing me to a life of my own.” – Priscilla responds to Elvis, signifying her desire for independence and self-discovery.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $21,641,491
• Worldwide Gross: $44,070,646

💥 Priscilla Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘Priscilla’ expecting a glamorous biopic, but what I got was something much more complex and unsettling. I was completely drawn into Priscilla’s world, from the initial thrill of meeting Elvis to the suffocating loneliness of Graceland. Cailee Spaeny’s performance is incredible; you can feel her journey from innocent teenager to a woman finding her own strength. It’s not a feel-good movie, but it’s a powerful and thought-provoking one that has stayed with me long after the credits rolled. The scene where Priscilla finally decides to leave Elvis was especially poignant. I felt like I was watching her take her life back.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Sofia Coppola’s filmmaking style”
  • “Viewers interested in the unseen side of celebrity relationships”
  • “Those fascinated by Elvis Presley’s life and legacy”
  • “Audiences who appreciate character-driven dramas”
  • “Individuals seeking a female perspective on a historical event”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Implied drug use”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Depiction of a relationship with a significant age gap”
  • “Discussions of infidelity”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Coppola delivers a nuanced character study, painting a portrait of youthful infatuation clashing with the harsh realities of fame and control. Spaeny shines as Priscilla, navigating a turbulent relationship with grace and vulnerability.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While lacking the explosive energy of Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis,’ Coppola’s film offers a quieter, more introspective look at the Presley marriage, told through Priscilla’s eyes. Elordi’s Elvis is less the icon, more a flawed, controlling figure.
• IndieWire: “A visually striking but ultimately surface-level exploration of Priscilla’s life with Elvis. The film excels in capturing the atmosphere of Graceland but struggles to delve deep into Priscilla’s inner world. Spaeny’s solid acting can’t save the shallow script.

Audience Reactions

Cailee Spaeny’s performance is a revelation.: Viewers are praising Cailee Spaeny’s portrayal of Priscilla as a highlight of the film, capturing her innocence and eventual self-discovery.

The film is a compelling character study of a woman trapped in a gilded cage.: Many viewers appreciate the film’s focus on Priscilla’s isolation and the controlling nature of her relationship with Elvis.

Overall Consensus: A nuanced and visually striking biopic that offers a more introspective and unsettling perspective on Priscilla Presley’s life with Elvis, highlighting themes of control, isolation, and self-discovery.

Awards

1. Venice Film Festival (Volpi Cup for Best Actress)- 2023

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Elvis Presley Enterprises declined to give Sofia Coppola permission to use Elvis’s songs in the film, leading to creative alternatives like covers and contemporary music.”
• “Sofia Coppola aimed for a specific aesthetic, focusing on Priscilla’s perspective and the dreamy, isolating atmosphere of Graceland.”
• “The height difference between Jacob Elordi (6’5″) and Cailee Spaeny (5’1″) was exaggerated for cinematic effect, emphasizing the power imbalance in their relationship.”

🖥️ How to Watch Priscilla?

Priscilla is available to stream on various platforms, including Showtime. You can also rent or purchase the movie on demand via Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local cable provider for availability on demand as well.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Priscilla, you might like these similar films:

• Marie Antoinette (2006): Also directed by Sofia Coppola, it explores the isolation and gilded cage of a young woman thrust into a world of fame and excess.
• Elvis (2022): A more comprehensive biopic of Elvis Presley, offering a contrasting perspective on his life and relationship with Priscilla.
• Spencer (2021): Similar to Priscilla is set in the 1960s and 1970s, Spencer is a fictionalized account of a Christmas holiday in the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, as she contemplates ending her marriage to Prince Charles and leaving the British royal family.

🛒 Priscilla Related Products

• Elvis and Me: The True Story of the Love Between Priscilla Presley and the King of Rock N’ Roll: Priscilla Presley’s intimate memoir provides the basis for the movie ‘Priscilla’. This book delves into the complexities of her relationship with Elvis, offering personal insights into their life together.
• Elvis Presley: The Searcher (Blu-ray): This comprehensive documentary offers a deep dive into Elvis’s musical journey and his impact on American culture. It includes rare footage and interviews, providing a broader context for understanding Elvis’s life and career.
• Elvis Presley ’68 Comeback Special Collector’s Edition: Relive Elvis’s iconic 1968 comeback special with this collector’s edition. It includes the full concert, behind-the-scenes footage, and memorabilia, showcasing a pivotal moment in his career.
• Graceland Ceramic Coffee Mug: Ceramic coffee mug featuring a photo of Elvis’s estate. Great for morning coffees to remember the movie by.

🎧 Soundtrack

Priscilla features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Crimson and Clover” – performed by Tommy James & The Shondells
• “Going Home” – performed by Alice Coltrane
• “I Will Always Love You” – performed by Dolly Parton

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Priscilla Presley Breaks Down 15 Looks From 1960 to Now | Life in Looks | Vogue

Ever wondered how Priscilla Presley became such a style icon? This Vogue breakdown of her most iconic looks, with commentary from Priscilla herself, is fascinating. You HAVE to see the secret to her 60’s bouffants!

Elvis And Priscilla’s Weird Relationship

Want a quick rundown of Elvis and Priscilla’s relationship before diving into the movie? This Nicki Swift video breaks down the complexities in under a minute. Honestly, it’s a bit of a wild ride!

Priscilla Reveals The Real Reason She Divorced Elvis

Curious about why Priscilla REALLY divorced Elvis? In this clip, Priscilla herself spills the tea. It’s a real eye-opener and makes the movie even more impactful!

✨ Rate