TIFF 2021: Spencer Review

This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, to keep up with our latest coverage, click here.

Within the past few years, there has been a growing fascination with the British monarchy. Meanwhile, The Crown has remained one of the most consistently popular series since it debuted on Netflix back in 2016. Although the Royal Family have been frequently making headlines as of late, many have essentially dismissed them long ago. However, regardless of one’s connection to the Royal Family, most know about and/or have had some fascination with Princess Diana; arguably the most widely beloved figure the Royal Family until her shocking death that shook the world and exposed the corruption lying beneath the monarchic system.

Despite her popularity, there has never been a film made about Princess Diana, so when it was announced that Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larrain (primarily known for his unconventional Jackie Kennedy biopic, Jackie) would be helming the project, Spencer immediately became one of the most buzzed about films of the year. Not being a big fan of Jackie for several reasons, Larrain’s hypotonic style and Natalie Portman’s transformative performance were certainly impressive. 

This reviewer may not have been as enamored with Spencer as many other critics have seem to be thus far but it is certainly a step up from Jackie. Instead of trying to encompass every moment in Diana’s eventful life, the film explores a week in the life of Princess Diana (Stewart), leading up to her decision to leave Prince Charles (Jack Farthing) and the royal family altogether. Larrain is far more concerned with putting the audience in her headspace and simulating the claustrophobia she felt living in the Royal Palace, than the entirety of her story.

While the film effectively paints a portrait of the suffocating nature of the monarchy, at times it feels as if the story it’s telling could apply to any woman who married into the Royal Family. As a result, the film leaves audiences without a true sense of who Diana was as a person due to its lack of a specific and multifaceted portrayal of her.

Despite its shortcomings as a biopic, Spencer does have a lot going for it. Its hypnotic and dreamy presentation is completely captivating as Larrain leans heavily on soft coloring and hazy cinematography to bring audiences into Diana’s world. Just like the extremely detailed costume design of Jackie, the outfits in this film are even more meticulously crafted while the production design is also breathtaking, creating a near-perfect replication of Buckingham Palace.

Above all else, there’s the one part of the film that has generated the most discourse which is of course Stewart’s performance as Diana. Many seem to be absolutely in awe by her portrayal of the titular protagonist, but this personally wasn’t the case. Though she nails the vocal inflections and mannerisms, she never loses herself in the role. It always seemed that she was merely her acting and not Diana.

Spencer may not necessarily the biopic that Princess Diana deserves but it is still an interesting, artistic and beautifully crafted portrait of the corruption that lies within the Monarchic system. While it is well worth checking out, it doesn’t quite live up to expectations.

still courtesy of Elevation Pictures

Follow my blog on Instagram @moviereviews100!

If you liked this, please read our other reviews here and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter or Instagram or like us on Facebook.

Tristan French