Priscilla

What’s it about?

A toxic mixture of first love and fame, the film details the relationship between Elvis and Priscilla Presley from Priscilla’s point of view. Moving from Germany to Graceland, Priscilla embarks on a turbulent adventure under the control of Elvis and his family.

The facts

• Directed by Sophia Coppola (Lost in Translation)
• English language
• Runtime: 112 minutes
• Priscilla is a biographical drama that is based on the 1985 memoir Elvis and Me by Priscilla Presley

Why did it get this rating?

This film was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Drug use

Two characters take LSD together. Elvis and Priscilla rely heavily on “upper” and “downer” drug use, and misuse prescription medication and sleeping pills, which he introduced to Priscilla at a young age. Priscilla struggles in school because of their erratic lifestyle and Elvis becomes more dependent and chaotic due to drug-use. At one point Priscilla wakes up two days after taking something given to her by Elvis.

Offensive language

Offensive language includes “f*ck” and “a*s.”

Intimate partner violence

Elvis continuously gaslights, controls, and isolates Priscilla from the world. During an argument between the couple, Elvis throws a chair in a fit of rage near her. It’s unclear if it was intended to hit her or not. Later in the film, Elvis pins Priscilla to the bed, implying that he might sexually assault her while under the influences of drugs and alcohol, but is stopped.

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?