The realism in Priscilla, from director Sofia Coppola, is powerful and passionate throughout the film. It will evoke strong feelings from its audiences, especially those who were fans of Elvis Presley.

Priscilla is a true story based on the 1985 novel Elvis and Me written by Priscilla Presley (formerly Beaulieu). Priscilla takes its audience through a vast landscape of happiness, sadness and confusion through the eyes of Priscilla as she endures her relationship with Elvis Presley. Cailee Spaeny plays Priscilla, Jacob Elordi is Elvis, and both of their performances are superb portrayals of the heights of young love and the lows of dealing with the insanity that becomes their life. Although she certainly loved Elvis, the burning question is whether Priscilla was ever actually happy when she was with him.

Priscilla is the one who falls in love at first sight, despite the big age gap between the two. Priscilla had a frustrating life when she met Elvis at just 14 years old at a party on a military base in Germany where Elvis and her father were both stationed. When they reunite a few years later in the US, Elvis and Priscilla seem to be madly in love as Elvis’s fame grows. But Priscilla has problems being in the public eye, and being in a relationship with Elvis, who is constantly flocked by women fans, is hooked on pills, and is full of half-truths, is hard to bear. Will the power of love be enough, or is it too late for them to be happy?

With Priscilla’s expectations shifting and Elvis’s honesty being tested, Priscilla is a portrait of a women descending into surreal realizations of their crazy life. Elvis assumes that Priscilla will learn to accept their life, that she can’t leave because he gives her everything she could possibly want. But can money and fame buy Priscilla or Elvis happiness?

Coppola’s ability to portray shifting emotions in Priscilla is her strength. The love between Priscilla and Elvis begins to vanish, and reality surrounds them. But its not a positive reality for Priscilla, and she has just bad or worse options. The eyes of fame blind the eyes of love, and their hearts can’t overcome the turmoil in their relationship.

With the situation worsening and more reality coming, Priscilla needs to focus not on their relationship, but on her own happiness. She is the one who sacrifices everything to be with Elvis. She didn’t ask for the fame; she went with her heart. She wanted love in uncharted territory. But is it true love from Elvis? How long can Priscilla endure Elvis’s toxic behavior? There are so many questions and Priscilla needs to find the answers.

A ride of drama and surrealism, Priscilla will have audiences asking themselves what the meaning of love really is, and just how much even true love can endure. Sofia Coppola’s directing of Priscilla, the amazing cinematography, and the writing of this captivating yet devastating true story will absolutely enthrall audiences. Four out of four stars for Priscilla.