January 31, 2024
In 1959, Priscilla Beaulieu (Cailee Spaeny) was only 14-year-old 9th grade schoolgirl living with her parents at a military base in West Germany where her father was stationed. At one party, Priscilla was introduced to popular rock and roll star Elvis Presley (Jacob Elordi) who was in the US Army at that time. They would meet more often, much to the concern of her parents, especially given her tender age, and the 10-year age difference between them.
From there, writer-director Sofia Coppola told the story of this controversial celebrity relationship based on Priscilla Presley's own 1985 memoir "Elvis and Me." We see the events from Priscilla's point of view, and hear her try to justify the indignities she went through. We knew it was most likely not a fairytale relationship, but to actually watch this teenager being treated like a personal toy doll was very uncomfortable.
She was only 17 when she moved to Graceland, and still had to finish her senior year in high school. However, the relationship problems she face would challenge even women way older than her. She was always expected to follow his choices of her dresses, makeup and activities. She had to believe his side about the nasty rumors about him and his sexy co-stars. She also had to endure his unusual behavior in the bed they shared until they got married.
Unlike the recent Baz Luhrmann spectacle "Elvis" (2022), Coppola's work was more intimate and subdued. She juxtaposed a 6'5" Elordi against a 4"11" Spaeny to emphasize their physical difference and represent their age difference (even if they were both born in 1997, just a month apart). Elordi got to play more private Elvis, with only one televised performance clip. Spaeny was so remarkably childlike, this was an uncomfortable watch on purpose. 7/10.
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