Spencer Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Princess Diana hates Christmas with the royals so much she starts hallucinating Anne Boleyn and decides to ditch everyone for KFC, proving even princesses prefer fried chicken over fancy dinners.

🍿 Spencer: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival at Sandringham

The film opens with Princess Diana struggling to find her way to the Queen’s Sandringham Estate for the Christmas holidays in 1991. Her tardiness sets the tone for her strained relationship with the royal family. She is already battling rumors of Prince Charles’ infidelity and her own growing isolation within the royal structure.

Confined by Tradition

Diana finds herself increasingly suffocated by the rigid traditions and expectations of royal life. Her eating disorder worsens, and she struggles to maintain a facade of composure amidst the family’s coldness. She finds solace only in her children and a few members of the household staff, notably her dresser, Maggie.

The Ghost of Anne Boleyn

A book about Anne Boleyn sparks a series of visions and hallucinations for Diana, drawing parallels between their experiences as royal wives feeling trapped and betrayed. Boleyn becomes a symbol of Diana’s own potential fate and a catalyst for her growing rebellion.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Diana (Kristen Stewart): Princess Diana struggles with mental health and marital problems during a Christmas holiday with the Royal Family, contemplating ending her marriage to Prince Charles.
• Charles (Jack Farthing): Prince Charles’ affair with Camilla Parker Bowles strains his marriage to Diana, leading to increasing tension during the Christmas festivities.
• Major Alistair Gregory (Timothy Spall): Major Gregory, the equerry, attempts to maintain order and enforce royal traditions upon a struggling Princess Diana.
• Maggie (Sally Hawkins): Maggie, Diana’s dresser, offers unwavering support and friendship amidst the isolating environment of the Royal Family.
• William (Jack Nielen): Prince William observes the growing conflict between his parents and offers Diana a source of comfort and connection within the royal household.
• Harry (Freddie Spry): Prince Harry is a young boy who, along with William, provides moments of joy for Diana amidst her struggles.
• Darren McGrady (Sean Harris): Darren McGrady, the Royal Head Chef, offers a measure of understanding and kindness to Princess Diana during her difficult time.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• The Queen: “They take a lot of photographs of you, don’t they? The only photograph they take that really matters is the one they put on the ten-pound note, and they took that one. You understand, my dear, that all you are is currency.” – This line highlights the dehumanizing aspect of Diana’s role within the Royal Family.
• Diana: “I’m looking for somewhere. I have absolutely no idea where I am.” – Said when Diana is lost on the way to Sandringham, symbolizing her lost sense of self.
• Charles: “There has to be two of you, Diana. There is the real one, and the one they take pictures of.” – Charles emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a public persona separate from her true self.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $18,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $7,086,632
• Worldwide Gross: $25,246,967

💥 Spencer Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into ‘Spencer.’ Kristen Stewart’s performance is phenomenal, she really embodied Diana’s fragility and her strength. The scene where she’s at the Christmas dinner, and you see her mind unraveling, was so intense, I was on the edge of my seat. The film made me feel so much empathy for her. While the Royal Family scenes were a bit hard to watch, they highlighted Diana’s isolation. It’s not just a movie; it’s an experience.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Kristen Stewart”
  • “Viewers interested in the British Royal Family”
  • “Those who enjoy psychological dramas”
  • “People fascinated by Princess Diana’s life”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Eating disorders”
  • “Self-harm (implied)”
  • “Mental health struggles”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief strong language”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Kristen Stewart delivers a career-defining performance in this haunting portrayal of Princess Diana. Pablo Larraín masterfully blends historical drama with psychological thriller elements, creating a captivating and unsettling experience. The film’s focus on Diana’s internal struggles makes it a compelling character study.
• The Guardian: “A beautifully shot and intensely acted drama, ‘Spencer’ is a compelling, if fictionalized, glimpse into the turmoil of Princess Diana’s life. Kristen Stewart’s performance is mesmerizing. Larraín creates a suffocating atmosphere that perfectly captures Diana’s isolation within the Royal Family.
• Variety: “Kristen Stewart gives a tour-de-force performance as Princess Diana, capturing her mannerisms and vulnerability with stunning accuracy. While the film takes liberties with historical fact, it provides a powerful and emotionally resonant portrait of a woman struggling to find her identity.

Audience Reactions

Kristen Stewart’s portrayal of Diana is absolutely stunning!: Viewers agree that the acting is superb, especially Kristen Stewart’s convincing portrayal of Princess Diana.

The film beautifully captures the oppressive atmosphere within the Royal Family.: Many praise the film for its ability to create a claustrophobic and intense atmosphere, reflecting Diana’s struggles.

Overall Consensus: A compelling and visually stunning portrayal of Princess Diana, anchored by Kristen Stewart’s exceptional performance, though liberties are taken with the real story.

Awards

1. Hollywood Critics Association Awards (Best Actress)- 2022

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is described as ‘A fable from a true tragedy’ at the beginning, indicating it is a fictionalized account inspired by real events.”
• “Kristen Stewart’s performance as Diana was praised by Princess Diana’s former bodyguard, Ken Wharfe, who said she was the closest to Diana out of all portrayals in the last 10 years, due to her perfected mannerisms.”
• “Filming primarily took place in Germany, with Schloss Nordkirchen standing in for Sandringham House.”

🖥️ How to Watch Spencer?

As of October 2024, ‘Spencer’ is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services or cable on-demand options. Physical copies (Blu-ray, DVD) can also be purchased through major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Jackie (2016): Directed by the same director, Pablo Larraín, it explores the psychological state of Jacqueline Kennedy following JFK’s assassination.
• The Queen (2006): Another film delving into the British Royal Family, specifically Queen Elizabeth II’s reaction to Princess Diana’s death.
• Marie Antoinette (2006): Explores the isolation and unhappiness of a young queen within a rigid and opulent court, though in a different historical context.

🛒 Spencer Related Products

• The Crown: The Complete Seasons 1-4 [Blu-ray]: Immerse yourself in the world of the British Royal Family with this comprehensive Blu-ray collection of the acclaimed series. Explore the historical events and personal dramas that shaped the monarchy.
• Diana: Her True Story – In Her Own Words: Experience the intimate and revealing biography of Princess Diana, based on her secret recordings. Gain a deeper understanding of her life, struggles, and triumphs.
• Royal Family LEGO Minifigure Set: Add a playful touch to your collection with this unique Royal Family LEGO Minifigure Set. Display the Royal Family in your home and create your own stories and scenarios.
• Princess Diana – Iconic Moments Poster: Decorate your space with this beautifully designed poster featuring iconic moments from the life of Princess Diana. A fitting tribute to one of the most beloved figures of our time.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “False Master” – performed by Jonny Greenwood
• “The Queen’s Arrival” – performed by Jonny Greenwood
• “All I Need Is a Miracle” – performed by Mike + The Mechanics

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Actresses who played Princess Diana

Ever wondered how Kristen Stewart’s portrayal of Princess Diana stacks up against other actresses? This short video gives you a glimpse of different interpretations. It’s fascinating to see how each actress brings their own unique take to this iconic role, and I personally think some are surprisingly good!

✨ Rate