For decades, the film industry has been obsessed with showcasing the enigmatic, yet evidently tumultuous life of international royal icon Princess Diana. From “Diana” to “the Crown,” there is already a deluge of films that either center around Princess Diana or the royal family. While another Princess of Wales story may seem almost repetitive and mundane, “Spencer” is not a conventional two-hour film that scrapes only the surface of each turning point in the royal figure’s life. “Spencer” profoundly illustrates the most vulnerable sides of the royal princess in an unpredictable immersive style.
Directed by Pablo Larrain and written by Steven Knight, “Spencer” stars Kristen Stewart who reimagines Princess Diana’s psychological turmoil after rumors of Prince Charles’s infidelity spread. In less than two hours, the film dramatically illustrates the princess’s deep-seated distress from her husband’s affair, conspicuous isolation from the royal life, unconditional love for her sons, desperate search for freedom, and inexplicable suffering with bulimia.
The film selectively discloses only three days of her private life around Christmas. In the reduced time frame, the audience can sense how excruciating it was for Princess Diana to bear her days in the isolated Sandringham estate where tradition is fixed, expectation is high, and love is absent. The festive environment that feels forced for the occasion of Christmas connects with the princess’s burden to fulfill royal obligations while staying presumably content with her circumstance.
The most laud-worthy part of the film is Stewart’s phenomenal performance. It is not just the decent accent and striking appearance that make Stewart resemble the royal princess, but her mannerism. Her expressive, sorrowful eyes speak more words than any monologue. She executes every movement in a way that brings much suspense and dynamism to the narrative. Stewart embodies Princess Diana. Though it may not be the entirety of herself, it is a piece of the princess that is clearly much more than what has been written about her in the tabloid.
“Spencer” is full of metaphors and motifs — perhaps way too many to decipher in one sitting. However, the inclusion of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII who was beheaded for treason, is a refreshing addition to the narrative. The parallel between the fates of the queen and the princess may seem uncanny at first, but it sheds light on a new perspective of the consistent mistreatment women had to endure and the long-lasting fear they had to swallow in the royal palace. The pearl necklace kills three birds with one stone — successfully acting as the shackles of the princess’s marriage, reminder of her royal responsibilities, and metaphor of her eating disorder.
While the film at times can be rather unclear and difficult to follow through, the confusion is part of the experience. This film is not about the memorable events or heartwarming messages. It is about reliving Larrain’s version of Princess Diana with the same mad state of mind, breaking through the blurry line between reality and hallucination in search for a space to breathe under serenity.
For those who prefer to watch fast-paced, plot-driven action movies, “Spencer” may not be the best fit. It is slow, intense, and emotionally draining. Nevertheless, the movie is more gripping than any thriller show and more suspenseful than any action film. It is worth the time to second-hand experience the emotional unrest of the royal princess at the start of her tragedy.