Spencer
Movie Trailer
Release Date
November 5, 2021
Genre
Biography, Drama
Cast & Crew
- Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana
- Timothy Spall as Major Alistair Gregory
- Sally Hawkins as Maggie
- Jack Farthing as Prince Charles
- Sean Harris as Darren McGrady
- Stella Gonet as Queen Elizabeth II
Director
Pablo Larraín
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Jackie (2016)
- Neruda (2016)
- No (2012)
- The Club (2015)
Producer
Juan de Dios Larraín, Pablo Larraín, Jonas Dornbach, Janine Jackowski, Paul Webster
Writer
Steven Knight
Budget
$18 million
Production Company
Shoebox Films, Komplizen Film, Fabula
Running Time
117 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R (for some language)
Content Advisory
- Language
- Depictions of emotional distress
- Themes of eating disorders
Movie Story
Spencer is a psychological drama that offers a fictionalized account of Princess Diana’s (Kristen Stewart) life during a pivotal Christmas holiday with the British royal family at Sandringham Estate in the early 1990s. The film is set over three days as Diana grapples with the decision to end her marriage to Prince Charles (Jack Farthing) and leave the confines of royal life.
The narrative delves into Diana’s emotional turmoil and isolation within the royal family, portraying her as a woman on the verge of a personal crisis. As the pressures of her public role and private struggles collide, Diana experiences hallucinations and flashbacks that blur the line between reality and imagination. The film’s title, Spencer, alludes to Diana’s maiden name, symbolizing her desire to reclaim her identity amidst the suffocating expectations of royal life.
Throughout the film, Diana interacts with various members of the royal household, including her sons, William and Harry, as well as the stern and watchful Major Alistair Gregory (Timothy Spall) and her sympathetic confidante, Maggie (Sally Hawkins). These interactions reveal the deep conflicts within Diana’s heart, as she navigates her role as a mother, a wife, and a woman seeking her own path.
Spencer is a haunting and introspective portrait of a woman trapped by the rigid traditions of royalty, and it presents a unique perspective on the psychological pressures Diana faced. The film’s moody atmosphere, dreamlike sequences, and Kristen Stewart’s transformative performance make it a poignant exploration of identity, freedom, and the cost of living in the public eye.
Special Effects
The film’s special effects are minimal, focusing instead on creating an immersive and atmospheric experience. The use of practical effects and cinematography captures the cold, oppressive environment of Sandringham Estate, reflecting Diana’s inner turmoil. The film employs subtle visual and sound effects to enhance Diana’s hallucinations and emotional breakdowns, adding to the surreal and claustrophobic tone of the narrative.
Box Office Performance
Spencer had a modest box office performance, grossing around $23 million worldwide. Despite its limited commercial success, the film garnered significant critical acclaim, particularly for Kristen Stewart’s portrayal of Princess Diana, which led to widespread awards buzz and recognition.
Filming Locations
- Schlosshotel Kronberg, Hesse, Germany
- Nordkirchen Castle, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
- Marquardt Palace, Potsdam, Germany
Notable Quotes
- “Will they kill me, do you think?” – Princess Diana
- “Three days. That’s it.” – Diana Spencer
- “There has to be two of you. The real one and the one they take pictures of.” – Prince Charles
Behind-the-Scenes
- Kristen Stewart underwent extensive preparation to portray Princess Diana, including studying her mannerisms, voice, and movements. Her performance was widely praised for capturing the essence of Diana’s vulnerability and strength.
- The film was shot in various historic locations in Germany, which were chosen to replicate the grandeur and isolation of Sandringham Estate.
- Director Pablo Larraín, known for his work on Jackie, brought a similar intimate and psychological approach to Spencer, focusing on the inner life of a woman under intense public scrutiny.
Awards
- Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Actress (Kristen Stewart)
- Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama (Kristen Stewart)
- BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role (Kristen Stewart)
- Critics’ Choice Awards: Nominated for Best Actress (Kristen Stewart)
Final Verdict
Spencer is a mesmerizing and intimate portrayal of Princess Diana during a turning point in her life. Kristen Stewart delivers a career-defining performance, capturing the emotional depth and complexity of a woman struggling to break free from the constraints of royalty. Director Pablo Larraín’s haunting and poetic vision brings Diana’s inner world to life, making Spencer a compelling exploration of identity, isolation, and the human cost of living in the spotlight. It’s a must-watch for fans of character-driven dramas and those interested in a new perspective on one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century.
IMDb Rating
6.6/10