In late September of 2022, the world was shocked when Priscilla Presley announced she would be producing a movie based on her life with the King of Rock, Elvis Presley. Even though she had written a book, Elvis and Me, in 1985, the younger generations were in the dark about her perspective of the relationship. Following Austin Butler’s take on Elvis, the conversation about his life has not died down. 

Elvis and Priscilla first met in 1959, when Priscilla was just 14 and Elvis 24. Elvis had invited Priscilla to a house party in Germany through a friend in the forces, where Elvis and Priscilla’s father were serving. After years of communicating by phone and wondering if their connection was true, Priscilla’s parents approved her move to Graceland with Elvis in 1962. She finished high school, got married, and had a child in America without her parents; her only family was Elvis and it was apparent through the film that Priscilla was not Elvis’ family. 

The movie opens with a young Priscilla, portrayed by Cailee Spaeny, putting on makeup and getting ready for her day at school. Spaeny masterfully plays at both Priscilla’s innocence and maturity throughout the course of the film. The audience sits captivated by the emotion that Spaeny is able to express. Audible gasps are heard throughout the theater when 24-year-old Elvis Presley, portrayed by Jacob Elordi (famously known as Nate Jacobs in Europhia), holds the hand of the 14-year-old girl at his house party early on in the film.

Elordi plays Elvis particularly well, despite what some viewers may claim. There has been a national debate surrounding which actor portrayed the better Elvis Presley, especially whose accent is more accurate. When the audience learned that Elordi first heard about Elvis through references in Lilo and Stitch, there was major concern; however, seeing how Elordi was able to go from loving to abusive in a matter of seconds, all concerns were washed away. 

The movie recreates real events that many viewers are able to remember themselves, including photo shoots and concerts. 

Award winning director Sofia Coppola did not fail to effectively portray Priscilla’s story to show that Elvis may not be the king that everyone thinks he is. The movie reached theaters nationwide November 3rd and its popularity will keep the film on the screen for months to come.