Pablo Larrain’s ‘Spencer’: First Reaction

A Los Angeles test screening of Pablo Larrain’s “Spencer,” starring Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana, happened the other night. I’ve read a few of the raves, the most intriguing one comparing it to “Krisha,” and “Shiva Baby” (sold!) Due to attendees having to sign uber-restrictive NDA agreements, I only found one person willing to let me publish their reaction of the film. This, another rave, came to us from someone who drove for close to three hours just to watch the film:

“Spencer” sucks you right into Princess Diana’s head. It’s a chamber piece and one that will probably anger a lot of fans of “The Crown,” who will expect some kind of mainstream entertainment. Larrain’s movie isn’t in the least bit “mainstream.” It’s a Pablo Larrain movie, and if you’ve seen “Jackie” then think of this as its spiritual successor, but in a very limited setting and with a lot more dialogue. It’s a sensory experience about the inner demons Diana had during her days with Charles, characters come and go but she remains firmly there in every scene. There will be a lot of pushback on this movie from royal apologists, they will claim that a lot of what you see in Steven Knight’s script is pure fiction, and maybe it is, but who are we to deny that Diana was basically stuck in this claustrophobic and highly stressful situation? The royals had her by the neck and she barely could keep herself together … that’s what his movie basically says. The tension and level of anxiety is almost unbearable at times. As for Kirsten Stewart, she’s divine. I have never seen her go THIS FAR with her acting chops before. She really pushes herself to the brink here. Impressive.”

”Spencer” is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival during the first week of September. I’m hearing a Telluride screening is happening as well, just a few days after Venice. No words yet on if this goes to Toronto or the New York Film Festival, but can you say “Oscar Nominee Kristen Stewart”?