Spencer

Spencer, a 2021 historical drama film, is a compelling portrait of an intensely scrutinized figure – Diana, the Princess of Wales, in perhaps one of her most difficult periods. The story, primarily fictional, centres on a critical weekend in the early 1990s when Diana decided her marriage to Prince Charles was no longer salvageable.

Directed by the award-winning Pablo Larraín and featurily a transformative performance by Kristen Stewart as Diana, the film releases with a wave of anticipation from audiences worldwide. This is Larraín's second time directing a film around an iconic woman; he previously directed the critically acclaimed Jackie, focusing on Jackie Kennedy. He is known for his powerful and haunting visages of women in crisis, and Spencer seems to be continuing in this vein.

The film is set in the cold, austere aesthetics of Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, during the Christmas season. Limited within this expansive and intimidating setting, the film digs deep into the psyche of Diana – enchanting, fragile, and desperate for freedom. Beyond the glorious grandeur of the British royal family, it explores her struggles with her identity, her stifling role within the monarchy, her failing marriage, and the relentless media attention. The decorum, the ritualistic precision, the defined roles, all form a confining backdrop against which Diana's personal turmoil unfolds.

Kristen Stewart, known for Twilight and Personal Shopper, brings to life a deep, sensitive portrayal of Diana. Her uncanny resemblance, the authentic accent, and the depth of emotion she brings forth showcases a side of Diana that feels hauntingly real, yet poetically tragic. Her struggle with bulimia and isolation are depicted subtly yet impactfully.

The rest of the cast does not fall short either. Timothy Spall, who plays the role of Major Gregory, a Royal staff member, highlights the atmosphere of rigid formality and constant scrutiny that Diana faces. Veteran actor Sally Hawkins appears in a crucial role adding impetus to Diana's emotional journey. Jack Farthing as Prince Charles encapsulates the complexity of a man torn between duty and personal relationships.

Throughout the movie, the narrative interplays with moments of surrealism and intense fear, capturing the claustrophobia of being in a place that is supposedly a home but feels more like a prison. The use of mirrors and reflections underlines Diana's constant self-scrutiny and the public's judgmental gaze. The treatment of the film, both visually and narratively, is part psychological horror and part tragic fairytale, marked by an appropriately tense and haunting score by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood.

The film is also aided by beautiful yet stark cinematography by Claire Mathon, further adding to the blend of cold royal isolation amidst inherent warmth and charm of Christmas. The production design, costume design, and attention to detail all contribute to creating a realistic backdrop, amplifying the emotional resonance of the film.

Ladies-in-waiting, royal protocols, agitating paparazzi, Diana's relationship with her children - every aspect of her life is neatly interwoven into the story. Steven Knight, the writer, does a commendable job of not just focusing on Diana's sufferings, but also interspersing moments of her resilience and strength amidst her turmoil.

Spencer is not a comprehensive biopic of Princess Diana. It is a snapshot of a few days in her infamous life - a conjectural imagining of what might have gone on behind the closed doors of the royal family during a tense holiday season. It indulges in drama, captures lingering poetic moments, and gives us an insight into her desperate search for identity and purpose.

In conclusion, Spencer is a stunning exploration of identity, isolation, and heart-wrenching struggle for freedom in the life of an iconic figure. It captures a delicately intimate side of Diana's turbulent life, contextualized by her iconic status, almost mythical in the public imagination. The film is an emotionally layered, beautifully shot, and hauntingly scored piece of cinema that is bound to leave a lasting impression.