Spencer (2021)

Set on Christmas Eve 1991, an unhappy Princess Diana (Kristen Stewart) is on the verge of a nervous breakdown as the strain of an unraveling marriage and royal duties push her to the edge. Directed by Pablo Larrain (JACKIE), I wish this fictional film had been done as a roman a clef instead of a historical piece. It has nothing to do with Diana Spencer, not the real Princess Diana. Although the movie is sympathetic to her, its portrayal of her is far from flattering. She's absolutely bonkers, not to mention inconsiderate. If the names had been changed and she was called Princess Barbara, it would have gone down a lot smoother with me. It would have been easier to concentrate on her dilemma and the pressure cooker she was living in and not thinking about the real Princess Diana. I have absolutely nothing against artistic license but if you're going to do fiction, do fiction. This isn't a case of playfully toying with history the way Tarantino did in INGLORIOUS BASTERDS or ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD. That aside, at the center of the film is a superb performance by Kristen Stewart that makes the film a must to see. The film is bolstered by a fine score by Jonny Greenwood. With Sally Hawkins, Timothy Spall, Jack Farthing and Amy Manson.