Spencer (2021) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)

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While at times excruciatingly dull, Kristen Stewart’s transformation, paired with the psychological aspect of being a public figure who is isolated and controlled, saves Spencer.

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Director(s)	Pablo Larrain
Screenplay By	Steven Knight
Date Released	10/24/2021
Where To Watch	Film Festival (Montclair Film Festival)
Genre(s)	Drama, Biopic, Holiday, Family, Historical
Duration	1 Hour, 51 Minutes
Content Rating	R
Noted Cast
Diana	Kristen Stewart
Anne Boelyn	Amy Manson
Maggie	Sally Hawkins

Film Summary

It’s Christmas 1991, and at this point, Diana is flailing in her marriage and seemingly barely holding onto her sanity. She thinks she’ll be killed to make room for Camilla, and the ghost of Anne Boleyn haunts her like a premonition. Which, with no one to turn to that she can trust, as her royal dresser, Maggie, is sent away, it seems like this could be the end for the once famed princess.

Things To Note | Question(s) Left Unanswered

• Reason(s) for Film Rating: Cursing, self-harm, depiction of an eating disorder, and partial nudity.

Collected Quote(s) & .Gifs

You are your own weapon. Don’t cut it into pieces.
— Maggie

Review

Highlights

Kristen Stewart

It’s easy to forget that Stewart does have the ability to turn down that edge she has become known for, that sense of kicking ass and taking names, and can play vulnerable. We saw it in Café Society, and as Princess Diana, it is in full display here. Sometimes in the form of Diana’s psyche crumbling and her having hallucinations. Other times it is through seeing Diana fight for some sense of autonomy while trying to not make a scene, yet so badly wanting to make her voice heard. The pull and push of it all helps you understand every neurosis, every odd moment, and Stewart’s Diana being far more dramatic than some may remember, especially if Diana’s peak in popularity came when you were a child.

But, perhaps the best thing about Stewart as Diana is that you don’t see her. For too many actors, it is them playing a character instead of you getting lost in the character. Now, this isn’t to say Stewart’s posture isn’t there, but with her forced far away from her comfort zone, her usual tricks are set aside. Even in terms of showing how frustrated, borderline lifeless Diana feels her life is at times, you don’t get the look we’ve seen Stewart give in past roles. There is an effort here that reminds you an actor will take a part seriously if appropriately challenged and if there are expectations beyond finishing the film.

On The Fence

The Psychological Drama Both Saves The Movie & Leads You To Question Its Legitimacy

As time goes on, and the strings play, and you get a sense that this is a period drama, Spencer begins to wear out its welcome and make you wonder when it will end? Heck, when one day becomes the next, you are thankful that there is some kind of sign this could be over soon.

But, as Diana begins to unravel, and you watch the royal family tighten its grip on her life, the film’s tone changes. From then on, the film transforms from a tiresome period drama to a psychological drama. One that may not pick up the pace but at the very least uses the powers of the royal family as some kind of boogeyman. The kind which makes Diana’s paranoia, need for escape, or even desire to cling to her children engaging, and even making you wonder, considering how Meghan Markle and Prince Harry left the royal family, how much of this historical fiction might be true?

For really, the artistic license used here can either be seen as a means to liven things up or really explore the possible detriment of being forced to adhere to traditions that are disagreeable to you. Especially when those who enforce it are more than willing to make your life miserable for either questioning the traditions or outright ignoring them. But, no matter how much you can understand why Diana would do this or react this way, there is a constant desire to look up what is true and could be backed up, and what was potentially just for your entertainment?

Overall

Our Rating: Positive (Worth Seeing)

I certainly wouldn’t say I’d watch this twice, for this is a one-and-done movie. However, you can see the core point, through Princess Diana, is that fame and fortune can easily make you a caged canary. One whose song and beauty is touted around and put on display until it squawks too much, is too loud, and misbehaves. Then, it is covered, controlled, and stressed out until it begins picking away at itself, for its lack of control is unnerving.

And it is the psychological aspects of Stewart’s portrayal of Diana that leads to the worth seeing label. Otherwise, this would purely be an awards bait film that would likely have its audience but have very little value beyond the circles who wouldn’t have to pay to see this film.

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