From the very first frame of Spencer (2021), I felt as if I had slipped into a waking dream — a dream both beautiful and unsettling. This is not your typical royal biopic. Director Pablo Larraín doesn’t merely chronicle Princess Diana’s life; he draws us into her fractured psyche over three turbulent days during a Christmas holiday at Sandringham. The result? A film that feels less like a history lesson and more like a gothic fairy tale gone wrong.
A Story of Isolation and Rebellion
Spencer unfolds over the course of three days during the 1991 Christmas festivities with the royal family. It’s here that Diana (Kristen Stewart) struggles with the suffocating expectations of royal life, caught between maintaining appearances and protecting her waning sense of self. Larraín masterfully tightens the atmosphere, making the grand halls of Sandringham feel more like the winding corridors of a haunted house. The storyline dances between reality and Diana’s vivid imaginings, creating a portrait of a woman unraveling under immense pressure.
Kristen Stewart’s Career-Defining Performance
I’ll admit, when I first heard of Stewart’s casting as Diana, I was skeptical. But from the moment she appears on screen, she embodies Diana with a startling authenticity. Stewart doesn’t merely imitate Diana’s mannerisms — she channels her. Every whisper, every hesitant smile, and every desperate glance speaks volumes. It’s no surprise she received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. She is the beating heart of Spencer, delivering a performance that is both fragile and fierce.
A Cinematic Vision of Elegance and Horror
Cinematographer Claire Mathon, who also shot Portrait of a Lady on Fire, paints Spencer with a muted yet evocative palette. Each frame is like a carefully composed painting, and the camera often lingers on Diana, capturing her isolation amidst the grandeur. The score by Jonny Greenwood is nothing short of genius — its blend of classical and jazz elements creates an unsettling backdrop that mirrors Diana’s internal chaos. The music feels like a character itself, pulling you deeper into her world.
Themes of Freedom and Imprisonment
At its core, Spencer is a story about freedom — or rather, the lack of it. Diana is depicted as a caged bird, longing to break free but constantly pulled back by invisible chains. Larraín uses symbolism masterfully, whether through the suffocating wardrobe choices or the ghostly apparitions of Anne Boleyn, to illustrate how history seems to repeat itself within the monarchy’s gilded walls. It’s a haunting reminder of how tradition can become a beautiful prison.
The Verdict: A Bold and Unforgettable Experience
Spencer is not for everyone. It’s not a traditional biopic, and it doesn’t aim to be. Instead, it’s an exploration of a woman at her breaking point, an intimate and often chilling glimpse into the life of one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. With a budget of approximately $18 million, the film punches far above its weight, delivering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.
If you’re looking for a polished recount of royal life, this isn’t it. But if you want to feel, to be haunted, to walk alongside Diana through her most vulnerable moments, then Spencer offers that — and more. The film’s 6.6 IMDb rating might not do it justice, as this is one of those rare movies that linger with you, long after the credits roll.
Pros:
Kristen Stewart’s transformative performance
Visually stunning cinematography
Hauntingly beautiful score
Cons:
The slow pace may not appeal to all viewers
Surreal elements could feel disjointed to some
Spencer is a film that will divide audiences, but in my view, its bravery is what makes it exceptional. It’s a melancholic, unsettling, and ultimately human portrayal of a woman trapped by the crown but dreaming of escape. And that, to me, is worth watching.
