The first poster for Spencer, starring Kristen Stewart, has been unveiled ahead of its premiere at the Venice Film Festival — and the likeness is uncanny.
A week before Spencer premieres at the 2021 Venice Film Festival (it will screen on September 3), the first poster has been released, giving us a look at Kristen Stewart in the titular role.
The full poster. Photograph: STX Films
Centring on Princess Diana (born Diana Frances Spencer), the film tells the story of a fateful long weekend at Sandringham over the 1991 Christmas holidays. This lead up to her decision to end her marriage to Prince Charles — apparently made during this time.
“December, 1991: The Prince and Princess of Wales’ marriage has long since grown cold,” reads Neon’s official synopsis. “Though rumours 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.”
The image seems to show Stewart bent double and seemingly weeping into a billowing white gown, likely to be a version of the “Diaghilev” gown Diana Spencer wore on occasions, such as a visit to the Royal Opera House and the film premiere of The Living Daylights. The “Diaghilev ” gown was designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, who also created her iconic wedding dress.
Directed by Ema filmmaker Pablo Larraín, Spencer is written by Steven Knight and shot by Claire Mathon (the acclaimed cinematographer behind Atlantics and Portrait of a Lady on Fire). The score comes from Radiohead musician Jonny Greenwood.
Stewart has previously spoken about the personal significance of playing the late princess, saying that she was “viscerally affected” by images of her funeral. “It’s one of the saddest stories to exist ever, and I don’t want to just play Diana — I want to know her implicitly,” she added. “I haven’t been this excited about playing a part, by the way, in so long.”
Following its Venice premiere, Spencer is set to hit cinemas in the UK, US, and Canada on November 5. We can’t wait to see it on the silver screen.
