The reputation of Elvis Presley has been passed down through generations, holding the title of “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” for almost 70 years. While the demands of his career shaped a more public life for him and his family, the true dynamics of his relationships have been left to speculation and mirage — especially his marriage with Priscilla Presley.

With the aid of her biography, “Elvis and Me,” this tale has finally been spotlighted with the work of filmmaker and actress Sofia Coppola. Priscilla Presley herself worked on the project as executive producer.

“Priscilla” is a breathtaking depiction of naïveté, exploitation and toxicity wrapped in the beguiling hands of fame and romance. At only 14, Priscilla is introduced and quickly taken under the wing of her future husband, Elvis, who at the time was 24. While still a schoolgirl, she juggles youth with the responsibility of meeting her older lover’s needs.

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The film quickly dismantles any conjectures of a perfect, whirlwind romance. At only their first meeting, Elvis’ controlling tendencies warn the audience of what is to come: Their relationship is depicted as one an owner would have with an object. Elvis dictates how she dresses, where she stays and who she spends time with.

Sound plays an important role in sending this message. The contrast between loud and silent moments portrays the heavy loneliness Priscilla feels both before and after meeting Elvis. Their public moments are filled with upbeat riffs and a chaotic churn of voices, though the quiet in their private dynamics leads the audience to believe that Priscilla felt no less alone while with him. This highlights the impact of their age gap on mutual understanding and respect, as both those central foundations needed for a relationship barely existed in theirs.

Priscilla is his idealized version of female pureness.

Their dynamics are shaped by his religious beliefs and strained mental health. Through strategically-crafted scenes, Coppola emphasizes the importance of innocence in Priscilla’s character. Rather than being an object of Elvis’ sexual desires, his interest in Priscilla stems from his broken sense of masculinity.

This is especially seen in his beliefs around gender roles, with the casting choices aiding this internal dilemma. Jacob Elordi (Elvis) and Cailee Spaeny (Priscilla) perfectly embody a stark contrast in appearance despite the actors being almost the same age. Spaeny’s youthful complexion highlights the maturity gap between the couple, both physically and emotionally. 

Throughout the film, Elvis criticizes women who portray “manly” qualities and stresses the importance of Priscilla’s image and behavior. Dually, he takes on a laddish manner and even goes as far as to compare himself to how “real men” act. By latching onto this young girl and grooming her to fit his desires, Elvis essentially creates a mirror in his life.

The film does an exceptional job at showing how Elvis uses Priscilla as a consistent source of validation, rather than allowing their relationship to be a safe space for respectful discussion. The audience is taken along as this bond is taught through emotionally exhausting and manipulative tactics.

Disagreement is met with aggression. Dissent is faced with threats.

Bursts of violence are subtly brushed over with affection, molding Priscilla into an agreeable housewife completely separate from the vulgar chaos of Elvis’ life. One of the best aspects of the film that exemplifies this transition is Priscilla’s hair and makeup evolution.

Many props go to Jo-Ann MacNeil, the head of the film’s makeup department, for her ability to warp Spaeny’s looks across time. At the beginning of the film, Priscilla is styled in a light manner, using very little makeup, with brown hair and neutral-colored outfits. As her relationship with Elvis progresses, she is forced to dye her hair black, cake on more dramatic makeup looks, and wear only the styles of clothes he believes to suit her — and, by extension, him.

Despite Spaeny physically remaining the same age throughout filming, the transformation of looks creates the illusion of aging. Coppola and the team of “Priscilla” truly succeed in presenting Priscilla as a young girl in a more mature lifestyle, eventually aging her to the point where she rediscovers her own identity.

After her transition to motherhood and the burst in Elvis’ music career, Priscilla gradually uncovers her own opinions and desires outside of his sphere. Her appearance dials back to a lighter tone as she experiences this, reminiscent of the innocent, young girl she once was.

The story of “Priscilla” is one of discovered identity. Almost her entire adolescence is absorbed by Elvis’ promise of love and commitment, and while his feelings may have been true, his sugarcoated lies and gaslighting tactics warped their dynamic into something unhealthy for the both of them.

The film leaves the audience stunned by the absurdity of their relationship. Coppola ensures to include subtle comments about their age gap and even more direct depictions of Priscilla’s attendance in school for a significant portion of their relationship. She was a student, and he was an adult.

The influence of naivete and glamour is used to deconstruct what appeared on the outside as a “perfect” romance. “Priscilla” is an empowering and gut-wrenching story that takes back all false notions of her life. Not Priscilla Presley.

Just Priscilla.