Elvis

In Baz Luhrmann’s thrilling biopic of ‘the king of rock ‘n’ roll’, Austin Butler embodies Elvis with his authentic and passionate performance.

Told from the perspective of Elvis’ long-term manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), we see the origins of the young performer’s love of music by Black artists through to his Las Vegas residency. Butler convinces in his performance, portraying Elvis from his teen years to his forties with astonishing commitment, and it’s in the live performances that the film really showcases his immersion into the character, with every twitch and hip-wiggle, vocal inflections and soaring voice. Much of the tension comes from the somewhat toxic relationship between Colonel Parker and Presley, the former’s manipulations both creating such a meteoric rise for his young star, and a dramatic fall to earth. Hanks’ performance is satisfyingly villainous as he plays against his usual good guy image.

Luhrmann is known as a director of extravagance and Elvis is no exception, a visually stunning and deeply felt portrait of a singer who remains adored to this day.

“Austin Butler is sensational as Presley” Empire

“Luhrmann does a sensational job of capturing how at home Elvis was on stage – and, more poignantly, how lost he was off it.” The Scotsman

12A: Drug misuse, discrimination, sex references, injury detail, strong language