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‘Priscilla’ review: A poignant, dramatic and must-see portrait of a strong, powerful woman
Men have always overshadowed women, no matter what greatness women achieved in their lives and how influential they were. We’ve heard their names, maybe seen their faces, know a thing or two about them, but mainly, they’re ‘the wife of…’. Once in a while, they’re allowed to tell us their stories throughout the gorgeous medium that is film. Now, it’s time for Priscilla Presley to step out of the shadow of her world-renowned husband/musician and into her well-deserved spotlight. Director Sofia Coppola’s (Lost in Translation) gripping Priscilla shows us that being married to the “King of Rock and Roll” wasn’t as glamorous as we might think.
Despite being extremely recognizable by her chic look, pitch-black eyeliner and famous hairstyle, Priscilla Presley (Cailee Spaeny) — born as Priscilla Beaulieu — used to be a very timid and almost invisible young lady. The Texas ninth grader lives with her parents in 50’s Germany, where her soldier father is stationed. It’s there where she’s been introduced to soldier Elvis (Jacob Elordi), who, despite wanting to be an actor and musician, is now taking up arms to fight for the US. Despite being ten years her senior, Elvis instantly takes a liking to her. Priscilla likes the attention, and she soon begins to fall for him.