The movie Spencer starring Kristin Stewart has reached theaters this past weekend and we get an introspective look into the life of Princess Diana just prior to her divorce. Portrayed with a disintegrating personality caused by the British dynasty, the performance by Stewart truly resembles “The People’s Princess”, but why the heartbreaking story that detracts from our memories of her. Told in almost 2 hours of laboring discontent, each of the contributors to her downward spiral show their control over her during her last days as a member of the Royal Family.
Arriving at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England, Princess Diana (Kristin Stewart) is already in dire straits over her marriage to Prince Charles of Wales. Dialogue in the film seems to be forced including Charles and Diana in disagreement that appears to be pointless involving the heirs to the throne, among other things like her hand maiden, that has held her together over the years, being discharged before she arrives at Sandringham. Not to go into too much more, the film takes off from there to where we are given a look at the workings of the Palace, the cold reception of Diana, a reference to Anne Boleyn and the beginning of the end.

Director Pablo Larrain (director of film “Jackie”) does a respectable job with the downer script showing the stark realization that Princess Diana has given up hope of continuing as a member of the Royal Family. Much like his film Jackie however, it’s a hard pill to swallow and for me a needless look at Diana’s past whether supposedly a tribute (which it isn’t) or a showing of her “other more fragile side”. In one scene to reference the real reason why Diana was leaving, you can see Camilla Parker Bowels (Emma Darwall-Smith) lurking on the steps of the church watching the Royal Family leaving from morning mass.

That said, I like Kristian Stewart’s performance in the film that should make her a contender for an Oscar. Depicting the icon Princess Di, much like Jackie Kennedy in “Jackie”, is almost impossible to do because whichever way the script takes you, so goes the direction the actress. But, story or not, Stewart owns Diana here and should be commended for a terrific job. Go for it Kristian as it’s about time you were recognized for your acting beyond “The Twilight” sagas.
4 out of 5 stars for acting and production value
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Jack Nielen, Freddie Spry, Jack Farthing, Sean Harris, Stella Gonet, Emma Darwall-Smith
Directed by: Pablo Larrain
Genre: Biography, Drama
MPAA Rating: R for some language
Running Time: 1 hr. 57 min.
Opening Date: November 5, 2021
Distributed by: NEON
Released in: Theaters