Sofia Coppola’s 2023 film, Priscilla, focuses on the tumultuous relationship of Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley and the struggle of grappling between girlhood and adulthood while in the spotlight. The A-24 film is an adaptation of the book Elvis and Me, an autobiography co-authored by Priscilla Presley. Released on Oct. 27, 2023, the movie has already come to the forefront of films for the year and exceeded expectations.

The movie begins when Priscilla is just 14 years old. Upon first meeting 24 year old Elvis, the young teenager is enthralled in the life of fame and glamor. Their relationship grows despite her parents’ hesitation and moments of contention. As the movie progresses, Elvis’ abusive and manipulative behavior becomes evident. Priscilla moves into live with the star while still in high school and becomes accustomed to the lonely life of an American superstars’ wife. The movie ends when Priscilla leaves Elvis, and drives away with I Will Always Love You by Dolly Parton playing in the background, a symbol of her female independence. 

Coppola amazingly captures the aesthetic essence of each era through her pinpoint accuracy in costumes, hair and makeup, and cinematography. The audience is able to watch Priscilla grow up not only through the time periods but through her aesthetic expression, heavily influenced by Elvis. As Priscilla grows up and Elvis and her become more romantically involved throughout the 60’s, her hair gets larger, makeup more striking, and the outfits become what are known to be her iconic looks today. Coppola captures an essential transition in the story from her early impressionable teen years into her early 20s and young adulthood.

Coppola’s work often centers around a female perspective. Priscilla fits within Coppola’s filmography of movies such as The Virgin Suicides and Marie Antoinette. Priscilla is unique in the fact that Elvis is only a side character. The movie truly focuses on Priscillas perspective, something that hasn’t been honored on a larger scale. 

Cailee Spaeney, who plays Priscilla alongside Jacob Elordi, nails the complex emotions of a first love with the troubling nature of fame and power dynamics. Up and coming in her acting career, Spaeney is getting well deserved recognition for her performance. 

The movie is a slow burn but delicately progresses through the story of Priscilla Presley’s life. Running just under two hours, Coppola proves Priscilla to be one of the best movies of 2023.