In the opening scenes of Pablo Larraín's "Spencer," a lost Princess Diana (Kristen Stewart) is driving to the royal estate for a weekend of Christmas celebrations. She stops at a diner to ask for directions, knowing this is something she can't do as if she was just anyone else. When she walks in, everyone stops and stares and time freezes in place. To Diana, she just needs directions getting to where she has to go and that makes her no different than anyone else. When she starts driving again, she pulls off to the side of the road and the chef from the estate spots her. He wonders why she is driving herself. "Cars don't drive on their own," she quips. Diana tries to maintain any shred of autonomy she can hang on to.
When was the last time there was such a pitch-perfect marriage of actor and role like Stewart taking on Princess Diana? In her public appearances, Stewart has never seemed comfortable with the level of fame the "Twilight" franchise catapulted her to, which summons the paparazzi to her every move. She might seem like an unlikely choice to play the people's princess, but she does so with an empathy that proves she's the only person who could have taken on this part.
"Spencer" is not a royal telling for those who have enjoyed more mainstream depictions of Princess Diana. The movie opens with a title card calling it "A fable from a true story." Larraín hones in on the fable aspect, which creates an unconventional experience. To call "Spencer" a biopic would be to misunderstand the term because the movie is more of an interpretation of Diana, not her life story.
Larraín's fabulist approach to the movie is emphasized in the film's craft. Composer Johnny Greenwood creates a sense of dread through his string score, which plays softly throughout the halls of the estate. The notes don't hit you over the head, but suggest the unease Diana feels by just being there for the weekend. Cinematographer Claire Mathon (who shot 2019's gorgeous "Portrait of a Lady on Fire") captures the scenery in an ethereal haze, which juxtaposes the polished look of the palatial complex.
Throughout the Christmas weekend, Diana struggles to ever feel comfortable at the Sandringham estate. She goes through the motions dutifully, while arguing with her husband Charles (Jack Farthing) and finding tiny moments of peace and playful silliness with her sons William (Jack Nielen) and Harry (Freddie Spry). There's a scene where they are playing a game and you can feel the weight of the world falling from Diana's shoulders. She is most comfortable in this moment and, if she had her way, she would live in it forever.
Stewart's journey through Hollywood has been fascinating. She has gone from a child star to a massive celebrity who was roundly mocked for her lifeless performances in a silly franchise. Since then, she has become one of the finest actors working today, taking on daring and complex roles in movies like "Personal Shopper" and "The Clouds of Sils Maria." For those lagging behind in taking Stewart seriously as an actress, "Spencer" will justifiably get them up to speed. Larraín isn't always subtle in his imagery, especially at the film's conclusion, but "Spencer" and Stewart's performance will linger in your mind after the credits roll.
Spencer Movie Review By Matthew Passantino
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