‘Spencer’ review: Kristen Stewart embodies Princess Diana scarily well

'Spencer' star Kristen Stewart has had her own experience with paparazzi and quick fame, so she very likely drew inspiration from her life.

It’s no secret that the late Princess Diana — who died in a 1997 car crash after being chased by paparazzi — suffered through her marriage to Prince Charles and spent nearly every waking minute trying to avoid cameras and public scrutiny.

By her own account, she was a prisoner in the royal family.

In Spencer, an artistic, pensive movie focused on a three-day Christmas stint at the Sandringham Estate, where the royal family traditionally spends the holiday, Kristen Stewart (Twilight, The Runaways) plays Diana scarily well.

The movie follows the proceedings of those three days, which spread out over what seems like weeks. Yes, the film is slow-paced and thoughtful, but it perfectly captures that feeling of claustrophobia and restriction, and what it must’ve felt like to be an unwitting member of the royal family.

There are eyes everywhere, there is protocol to be followed, specific outfits need to be worn, and everything must be followed to a T. If it’s painful to a member of the viewing audience, imagine what it’s like to actually be inside it.

Despite the impeccable wardrobe Stewart wears in the film, she doesn’t bear a particularly strong resemblance to Diana, at least in terms of her looks. But somehow, through body language, a suppressed voice and a defeated glance, she embodies Diana. It’s as if Stewart sat down to painfully scrutinize videos of the late royal, her movements are that deliberate and accurate. The British accent fades in and out, but for the most part is inoffensive (a rare feat these days).

Stewart’s genuine performance, perhaps informed by her own experience with paparazzi and quick fame, is the central flame of Spencer, as it should be. Just as with the real Diana, you root for her, you want her to escape, you want her to be free of Charles. Knowing what’s to come makes it all the more tragic.

You heard it here first: the costuming team on Spencer will definitely win the Oscar. The outfits are nothing short of spectacular, and they’re spot-on. The camera might be far away from Stewart at times, but based on the outfit alone you can tell it’s Diana. They’re that accurate. If you’re into that kind of thing the movie is worth seeing for that alone.