Spencer (2021) is a historical drama film directed by Pablo Larraín and written by Steven Knight. The movie revolves around a pivotal moment in the life of Princess Diana, the beloved and iconic figure of British royalty. Kristen Stewart stars as Diana, with a supporting cast that includes Timothy Spall, Sally Hawkins, and Sean Harris.
The film is set over the course of a weekend in December 1991, when Diana and her husband Prince Charles (Jack Farthing) visit the Sandringham Estate for the Christmas holiday with the rest of the royal family. However, Diana is feeling increasingly suffocated by the demands of her royal duties and the constant media scrutiny that surrounds her. As she struggles to reconcile her public persona with her private self, Diana begins to question her role in the monarchy and her marriage to Prince Charles.
One of the film's strengths is its portrayal of Diana as a complex and multi-dimensional character. While she is often remembered as a glamorous and fashionable icon, the film presents her as a woman who is struggling with mental health issues, an eating disorder, and the pressures of being a public figure. Kristen Stewart delivers a nuanced and powerful performance that captures the vulnerability, grace, and strength of Diana's character.
The movie also excels in its exploration of the royal family dynamics and the power dynamics within the monarchy. Through conversations with various members of the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth (Hawkins) and Prince Philip (Spall), Diana realizes that she is seen as a threat to the monarchy's traditional values and way of life. The tension and conflict between Diana and the other members of the royal family is palpable, as she pushes against the rigid rules and expectations that have been placed upon her.
One of the most striking aspects of the film is its visual style. The movie is shot in a way that is both intimate and expansive, with close-ups of Diana's face and body juxtaposed with sweeping shots of the Sandringham Estate and the surrounding countryside. The cinematography captures the beauty and grandeur of the royal family's world, but also highlights the claustrophobia and suffocation that Diana feels within it.
Overall, Spencer is a powerful and moving film that provides a fresh and nuanced perspective on the life of Princess Diana. While the film is a work of fiction, it is grounded in historical fact and draws on real-life events and conversations to create a vivid and compelling portrayal of one of the most famous and beloved figures of the 20th century. Whether you are a fan of Diana's or simply interested in British history and culture, Spencer is a must-see movie that is sure to leave a lasting impression.