If you’re one of the many Sofia Coppola fans excited for Priscilla – the director’s retelling of the relationship between Priscilla Beaulieu and Elvis Presley, from the former’s point of view – then you don’t have long to wait. The film officially releases in the UK on January 1, 2024. Earlier this month (December 13) though, Dazed x MUBI Cinema Club offered an exclusive preview, giving a few lucky people the chance to get an early glimpse.
Held at the Cinema at Selfridges, the event went beyond just a screening. From music and themed cocktails, to classic diner-style bites, the Americana vibes flowed throughout the whole evening, setting the scene for the screening.
Didn’t manage to make it along? We’ve gathered everything you need to know about what went down, below.
In case you’ve not watched the trailer 12 times already, Priscilla follows Priscilla Beaulieu from the age of 14, when she first met Elvis on a US military base in Germany. Taking us through their controversial courtship, marriage, parenthood, and (spoiler alert) divorce, the film flips the traditional telling of the story on its head, focusing on Priscilla’s life in the “gilded cage” of their Graceland mansion as the rock and roll legend bounces back and forth between Vegas and Hollywood film sets.
THE WHOLE THING WAS VERY COQUETTE CODED
Dazed x MUBI Cinema Club
Look up “coquette” in the dictionary, and there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find a screenshot from a Sofia Coppola film. Priscilla is no different – the opening montage alone stars winged eyeliner, pedicured feet in a plush pink rug, and kitschy ornaments in pastel tones. And of course the Dazed x MUBI Cinema Club screening leaned into the vibe. See: the bows tied around the stems of the cocktail glasses, and an ever-present preference for pink.
THE FOOD AND DRINKS...
Dazed x MUBI Cinema Club
On entering the Cinema at Selfridges, guests were greeted with a range of Priscilla-appropriate cocktails: the Priscilla Beaulieu, the Mr Presley, and the Baby Blue Cadillac. Not feeling on-theme? Wine and beer were also on offer, followed by hotdogs and mini burgers (plus vegan alternatives) to soak up the drinks.
MORE GOODIES WERE WAITING IN THE SCREEN
Dazed x MUBI Cinema Club
Hopefully guests hadn’t already filled up on diner-style bites outside, since they could find buckets of popcorn waiting inside the screens. Free goodie bags on each seat contained even more sweet treats, plus a bespoke tote bag and exclusive Priscilla-themed merch.
PRISCILLA MARKED THE FINAL SCREENING OF THE YEAR
Dazed x MUBI Cinema Club
This year has been a big one for Dazed x MUBI Cinema Club. In its last season alone, the ongoing partnership with the movie distributor and streaming service has treated viewers to previews of Passages, How to Have Sex, and Rotting in the Sun, alongside Q&As with some of 2023’s most notable actors and directors. Alas, all good things must come to an end, and what better way to draw them to a close? As for next season... watch this space.
