How many filmmakers get to release two, technically three film and TV projects in a row? If you’re Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín, known for “Jackie” and “Neruda,” you get such a privilege, and or the stars just seem to align that way because of the pandemic. Earlier this summer, AppleTV+ released the adaption of Stephen King’s “Lisey’s Story,” which Larrain directed and then in August, his last feature, “Ema” co-starring Gael Garcia Bernal, was finally released theatrically in the U.S. Now, coming off a celebrated world premiere in Venice, Larrain is back with his third project of the year, the Princess Diana story, “Spencer.”
This will be the second biopic of royalty that Larrain has done following his Jackie O biopic “Jackie” starring Natalie Portman. “Spencer” stars Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana and is said to be something of a reimagination of her life, a what if?, if you will. That what is: in December 1991, when Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ marriage was on the rocks, what if Diana actually left? Or comes close, at least.
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Larrain is now considered one of the greatest directors in the world, and reviews for “Spencer” were big raves, including our review from Jessica Kiang, who called Stewart’s performance, “incandescent.” Long gone are the days when you called this actress a “Twilight” girl. Here’s the film’s official synopsis:
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December, 1991:The Prince and Princess of Wales’ marriage has long since grown cold. Though rumors of affairs and a divorce abound, peace is ordained for the Christmas festivities at Sandringham Estate. There’s eating and drinking, shooting and hunting. Diana knows the game. This year, things will be a whole lot different.
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“Spencer” also stars Jack Farthing as Charles, Prince of Wales, Olga Helsing, Thomas Douglas, Sally Hawkins, Timothy Spall, Sean Harris, Richard Sammel and, Niklas Kohrt. Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood composed the score, and “Locke” and “Peaky Blinders” screenwriter Steven Knight wrote the script.
“Spencer” is due in U.S. theaters on November 5. Watch the new official trailer below.
