The highly anticipated “Priscilla” biopic trailer has dropped, and fans are buzzing about its captivating portrayal of the controversial age-gap romance that’s front and center in this cinematic tale.
Directed by the renowned Sofia Coppola, “Priscilla” delves into the life journey of Priscilla Presley, the wife of rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley, as she transformed from a schoolgirl into the spouse of the world’s most iconic man.
The leading roles are impeccably portrayed, with Cailee Spaeny stepping into Priscilla’s shoes and Jacob Elordi donning the mantle of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself, Elvis Presley. The couple’s tumultuous relationship first ignited in 1959, when Priscilla was a mere 14 years old and Elvis, the “Suspicious Minds” crooner, was 24. Their fateful meeting took place in Germany, where Elvis was stationed as part of the US Army.
On October 3rd, the official trailer for the film hit the internet, leaving audiences with a minute-and-a-half of cinematic intrigue. It provides a glimpse into the genesis of their romance, including a scene where Priscilla’s father confronts the singer about his interest in dating his young daughter.
“Well, sir, I happen to be very fond of your daughter,” Elvis responds, as we witness him placing a hand on Priscilla’s knee in a movie theater. “She’s much more mature than her age.”
As the trailer progresses, Elvis offers advice to a fresh-faced Priscilla with brown hair, suggesting she wear “black hair and more makeup.” When Priscilla questions her new look, Elvis responds sternly, “What do you mean, you don’t know if you like it?”
The trailer takes a darker turn as it exposes the rock ‘n’ roll star’s volatile temper behind closed doors, climaxing with him hurling a chair against a wall.
The teaser concludes with Priscilla behind the wheel of a car, declaring, “I want a life of my own.”
Fans couldn’t contain their excitement and showered praise on Sofia Coppola’s stylistic choices. One Twitter user highlighted various elements that resonated with them, applauding the portrayal of Priscilla’s uncertainty, transformation, and struggles.
“If there’s anything Jacob Elordi is gonna do, it’s successfully play a toxic man,” added another, alluding to the actor’s role as the brooding Nate Jacobs in the provocative HBO drama “Euphoria.”
Comparisons were drawn to last year’s Elvis biopic, starring Austin Butler and directed by Baz Luhrmann. Viewers commended the trailer’s sudden tone shift, exquisite cinematography, the music selection, Cailee Spaeny’s powerful line delivery, and Jacob Elordi’s portrayal of a complex character.
Some eagle-eyed fans also noticed the clever use of visual storytelling as Jacob Elordi, towering at 6ft 5in, loomed over the significantly shorter Cailee Spaeny, who stands at 5ft 1in, effectively emphasizing the power dynamic in the couple’s relationship.
Elvis and Priscilla tied the knot in 1967, when Priscilla was 21. The following year, they welcomed their only child, daughter Lisa Marie, before parting ways in 1973 after a year-long separation.
In 1977, Elvis passed away at the age of 42 due to a heart attack. Sadly, in January 2023, Lisa Marie succumbed to a bowel obstruction, stemming from complications related to weight-loss surgery several years prior.
Priscilla, now 78, has spoken out against criticisms of her and Elvis’s age gap, asserting that they were “in line in thought” despite their 10-year age difference when they first crossed paths.
“Priscilla” is set to hit theaters on December 26th, and anticipation is sky-high for this spellbinding cinematic journey into the iconic yet tumultuous love story of the Presleys.
