GCPH Cinema Alternative Xmas Screening: Spencer(2021)

For this year's Alternative Xmas screening we are going straight to the heart of so much of the loneliness that consumes this period of the year. 1992 was set to be the worst year imaginable for the British monarchy, with the impending divorce of Charles and Diana very much at the forefront of this. In Pablo Larrain's (Jackie, No, Neruda) exquisite chamber piece we are asked to sit with Diana (brilliantly played by Kristen Stewart) as she endures an unbearable festive period where she is, in effect, shunned by the Windsors.

Larrain has now given us two very unusual portraits of influential women who came to prominence due to their relationship with powerful men. There is something both heart-breaking and poignant about the fact that no matter what strata of society we find ourselves in loneliness and isolation can be a defining characteristic of Xmas time.

NOTES: (12A) features scenes of self-harm, eating disorders and infrequent strong language and sex references

Host or Publisher Grassmarket Picture House (Community Cinema)