Common Sense Media Review
By Danny Brogan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Royal biopic tackles mental health, bulimia; some language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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Where to Watch
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Spencer
What's the Story?
In SPENCER, it's 1991 and Princess Diana (Kristen Stewart) must spend the Christmas holidays with the British royal family, despite the fact her marriage is falling apart. Feeling alone and with her mental health becoming increasingly fragile, it proves to be a pivotal Christmas for not just Diana, but the entire British monarchy.
Is It Any Good?
Boasting a mesmerizing performance from Stewart, this imagining of a three-day Christmas celebration with the British royal family looks at the break down of both Diana's marriage and mental health. The title Spencer is taken from Diana's maiden name. In other words, it's the name she went by in the first 20 years of her life, before she married Prince Charles and became a member of the British monarchy, who -- as depicted in the movie -- controlled her every move. Pablo Larrain's excellent film focuses on Diana's attempts to reclaim her independence and freedom, a return to when she was simply Diana Spencer. But leaving -- and in essence, defying -- the British royal family is not an easy task. It's made all the more difficult for Diana with the arrival of former soldier, Major Alistar Gregory -- played superbly by an unflinching and uncompromising Timothy Spall -- brought in especially to keep Diana "in line."
The movie is bleak yet funny, depressing yet uplifting, and it's to Stewart's credit that she rides these emotions seamlessly. Stewart perfectly captures Diana's mannerisms and softly spoken voice so despite not naturally looking like her in the way that Emma Corrin in The Crown does, you're never not feeling as though you're watching the lady dubbed the "Queen of Hearts." It's also worth noting that Stewart herself has been on the receiving end of much press intrusion as experienced by Diana in the film. Much like Larrain's other female biopic, Jackie, this is powerful and enticing portrayal of one of the world's most talked about women.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how mental illness was portrayed in Spencer. How was Diana's mental health portrayed? Did you think it was an accurate portrayal? Discuss how mental illness is portrayed in other movies you may have seen.
Diana was shown to be living with an eating disorder. Were you surprised by this? If so, why? What do you think causes the onset of an eating disorder? What resources can you use if you or someone you know has an eating disorder?
Talk about the strong language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Did you think Diana liked being part of the British royal family? Why/why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 5, 2021
- On DVD or streaming : January 11, 2022
- Cast : Kristen Stewart , Timothy Spall , Jack Nielen
- Director : Pablo Larrain
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , South American Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Neon
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 119 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some language
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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