I went into Spencer knowing next to nothing about it. The buzz surrounding the film was incredibly enthusiastic, which raised my anticipation considerably. My understanding of Princess Diana and her life has always been quite limited, and in this instance, experiencing the movie without any prior knowledge didn't really benefit me. I found myself searching for something to connect with, and despite some truly impressive technical aspects, Steven Knight’s (Locked Down) script didn't provide enough substance to keep me engaged. Spencer is clearly a fictional character study that only succeeds because of what is arguably the most captivating lead performance of the year. Kristen Stewart (Underwater), an actress who continues to face unwarranted criticism despite her obvious growth into one of the most undervalued performers currently working, gives a portrayal of Princess Diana that viewers are unlikely to soon forget. I can’t remember seeing an actor so completely lose themselves in a role. It's a remarkable achievement deserving of all recognition. The supporting cast is also excellent. Technically, there isn't much to criticize. Pablo Larraín’s (Jackie) distinctive direction effectively conveys the story's unsettling and confining atmosphere, and I appreciated how Claire Mathon's (Portrait of a Lady on Fire) camera moves between intimate close-ups and beautiful wide shots. As anticipated, the costumes and production design are superb, but Jonny Greenwood's (You Were Never Really Here) score didn’t resonate with me. The combination of jazz elements with scenes of high tension felt jarring and distracting, pulling focus from what was happening on screen, which brings me to my main concern. Given my level of familiarity and expectations, Spencer ended up feeling like one of those films that doesn't do much, even though it often surprises audiences with its unconventional storytelling style. I generally appreciate this type of approach, but beyond Stewart’s performance, I struggled to feel invested in what was unfolding. What seemed like a potentially fascinating character exploration became an extended, repetitive showcase for one person, and I wasn't sure what the film was ultimately trying to achieve. While I grasp the intention of conveying Diana’s feelings during her marriage and life under British royalty, Larraín’s execution didn't fully satisfy me emotionally. A subsequent viewing might change my perspective and improve my assessment of the movie. For now, I have mixed feelings about Spencer, but I’m marking it as a positive review with the hope that my appreciation will grow over time. Rating: B-

Source on TMDB