A Fable Based on a True Tragedy.
The opening line of Pablo Larraín's ("Jackie") intimate portrait of Princess Diana: The People’s Princess. It is not a stretch to assume that most people in the world are aware of the modern tragedy of Princess Diana. And while there have been many films and series that explore her upbringing, her life and transition into The Royal Family, “Spencer” chooses a different lens to explore.
The film is an introspective look at the possibility of events that occurred over Christmas, where Princess Diana comes to terms with the fact that she wants to end her marriage to Prince Charles and part from The Royal Family. While the events in the film can be assumed to be fact, The Royal Family did spend Christmas at Sandringham, what happens behind the palace estate’s doors during this time period, is up for your own personal interpretation.
I’ll just come out and say it since it is what most people are waiting for – Kristen Stewart is completely transformed as she plays Princess Di in the quiet biography about the beloved icon. But, considering her previous acting resume, how does it compare? Is she really as great as the critics are painting her out to be? The answer is quite simple. Yes.
I went in with preconceived notions about what the film would be and how she would portray the adored princess and I was proven wrong on almost every single account. It is quite unsettling to watch Stewart (almost) completely disappear in front of you. The hair, the mannerisms, the specific inflection of her tone is completely captured in a way that holds you in complete rapture. Yes, she really is great and is definitely going to be nominated in the Best Actress for the Oscars and is probable to even win.
All that said, do not go into the film expecting it to be like an episode of Netflix’s "The Crown". While the Royal Family is present and makes appearances, the story is very specifically centered on Diana, there is barely a frame without her in it. Within the story, Prince Charles plays a role, of course and The Queen has some short lines of dialogue, but really it is just Diana existing in almost complete isolation, despite being surrounded by what people would refer to as “her family.” Prince William and Harry play pivotal roles in the film, but otherwise everyone else is a side character, giving Stewart’s performance the most specific and granular attention.
The shots in the palace are eerie and quiet and show the depth of the isolation that she felt despite being surrounded by unimaginable wealth and status. Desperate to cling on to former memories of her past and childhood but not knowing how to move forward. There is one particular scene at the end of the film where she revisits her childhood home and while wandering through lost memories of times almost long forgotten, we see a montage of previous versions on herself where you can see how haunted her life has become, how lonely.
The movie was more haunting and isolating than I would have imagined, but it isn’t overdone in any capacity, at least in my perspective. One of my favorite lines comes towards the end of the film when Diana is confiding in her hand-maid, Maggie, asking if people think she is going crazy. Maggie dismisses her concerns, saying that she doesn’t need a doctor, what she needs is love.
I have seen about six films in theaters this year now given the state of the pandemic and 2/6 have been Marvel movies. I saw "Spencer" today and it was the most crowded theater I have been in post-pandemic. People are seeing this movie and you should too. It’s worth it.
Movie Score: 9/10
And that’s the sitch.
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