By Lucky Gilmore | Social Media Editor

“Priscilla,” a chilling biographical drama, takes a deep dive into the darker nature of Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s relationship. Directed by Sofia Coppola, the movie is based on Priscilla’s 1985 memoir “Elvis and Me.” 

As someone who has never had a particular interest in Elvis Presley, I went into this movie with only the knowledge I acquired from 2022’s “Elvis.” I had no idea I was signing up to watch the tumultuous relationship between Elvis and Priscilla unfold in this movie.

I would like to stress the importance of the age gap, a major focus of this movie, as it severely impacted me and how I viewed every interaction between Elvis and Priscilla. 

The first time they meet, Elvis learns of Priscilla’s age, which was 14 at the time, and proceeds to say, “It’s time to get you home, little one.” He should have replied, “Please never come around me again, you are a child,” which would end the movie and their relationship. 

Immediately after watching the first 20 minutes of this movie, I knew it was going to be a hard one to watch. The abuse shown toward Priscilla quickly escalates, which anyone with sense could have seen coming.

Reminder, she was 17 at the time her parents allowed her to move to Graceland by herself. In my humble opinion, that makes her parents the villains in the story. 

Throughout the movie, copious amounts of abuse were shown throughout the entirety of the relationship, although a specific instance stuck with me. Elvis, while on a movie set leaving Priscilla home alone, doesn’t allow her to hold a part-time job as he says, “It’s either me or a career baby, I need you to be able to answer anytime I call.” I let out an audible gasp when this man let those words leave his mouth.

Eventually, we get to the part of Elvis’ career when he is touring and starring in movies, which is when Priscilla becomes pregnant with Lisa Marie. I think at this point, I was feeling the hope that Priscilla was feeling that maybe a baby would make it better. 

Needless to say, we both should have known better. Elvis continued to be abusive and unfaithful in their marriage. At this point, I’m just hoping we’re close to the part where she leaves him. Thankfully, we were. 

Nearing the end of the movie, we see Priscilla finally at a happy point living in L.A. with baby Lisa Marie and I am finally able to feel some relief for her. Just as I thought the worst was over, we got to the end. 

Elvis calls Priscilla to meet him at his hotel after a show, to which she obliges. I wished I could telepathically communicate with her through the movie screen to not go. Elvis proceeds to attempt to sexually assault Priscilla and she finally decides at that moment to divorce him. 

I did not enjoy how the movie ended in the middle of a climactic part of the story. The last scene is her telling Elvis she wants to divorce him, to which she packs her bags and leaves Graceland.

Then it ends, that’s it, leaving me wondering what happened next. What did she do during the time Elvis was still alive and they were co-parenting? All my questions were left unanswered. 

I enjoyed this movie and the impact it is having on who people thought Elvis was. This showcased the darker side of his personality and the effect it had on the ones closest to him. 

This movie is not catered to those who choose to idolize Elvis, as it does paint him in an unflattering light. As for me, a self-proclaimed non-Elvis fan, I loved it and the realism it brings to celebrities who are held to such high standards.
Final Score: 7/10

Categories: Arts & Entertainment