Director Pablo Larrain’s haunting 2021 film Spencer is a one-of-a-kind work of art. This was my first Pablo Larrain film and I had no idea what I was in for when I sat down to watch it.
The film tells the story of Princess Diana struggling with her mental health during the Christmas holidays with the Royal Family. I think part of what makes this movie work so well is that it’s more of a slice-of-life character study than a bio pic.
As the story unfolds, we find Charles has been having his affair and the Royal Family works hard to keep Diana on a tight leash with all yhe trappings of tradition and expectation. She feels the ever present looming threat of being watched by someone. The Royals and the paparazzi. It’s exhausting and she longs for the simpleness of her childhood country home. She wishes for a different life for her sons as well. Diana feels trapped, helpless, and betrayed.
I found Kristen Stewart’s performance as Diana remarkable. Subtle, strong, and vulnerable. I was blown away. The transformation is astonishing.
She is surrounded by equally strong and touching supporting performances by Sally Hawkins and Sean Harris. Both of them are brilliant and bring a sense of humanity and reality into Diana’s lonely world. They are her lifelines.
The crisp cinematography and authentic locations help create an atmosphere of both polished beauty and claustrophobia. Jonny Greenwood’s score and a few key pop songs seem out of place at first, but in the end, really help make this picture a perfectly unique.
Taking a step back, Diana’s story is also the story of so many women who are locked into lives of silence and servitude either through societal conventions or a loveless marriage.
Give this one a watch when you’re looking for something less than conventional. It’s across the board outstanding filmmaking.
Cinematic Point Of View 
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