Sundance 2022 Review: The Princess (Ed Perkins)

The Princess of Wales. Lady Di. The People’s Princess. Regardless of her title, Diana Spencer was a phenomenon during her life and still continues to be to this day, over twenty years after her death. She was and still is arguably one of the most iconic and adored public figures in history.

Her tragic story is one that people seem reluctant to put down; it was recently revisited again in late 2021 with Pablo Larrain’s Spencer, which has been met with general praise. In the psychological biopic, Diana is played by Kristen Stewart who is being campaigned for Best Actress at the Academy Awards for her portrayal.

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Ed Perkins’ documentary film The Princess takes a different angle on this tale, using solely news and media coverage to tell the story of Diana through the eyes of the media. Through archival footage alone we are walked through the slowly unraveling tragedy and events leading up to the loss of Diana in that fatal 1997 car crash in Paris.

At times throughout the documentary it feels peculiar to recognize we are experiencing her story, once again through the perspective of exactly what is often regarded as the cause of her untimely death. Perhaps this was the intention. Though most viewers will know where the doc is going and how it ends, it still harnesses the ability to sweep an audience into this retelling and capture attentions.

What may be a factor in making The Princess an appealing watch is the satisfying lack of the modern, uninspired ‘talking heads’. It foregoes lackluster interviews from figures reminiscing about the past altogether, and instead provides something fresh. No narration other than news coverage and rarely seen footage from the time period itself.

Perkins includes the national dialogue surrounding The Princess of Wales at the time and doesn’t stray from the controversial or even offensive. There is even home video footage from individuals seeing the breaking news announcement of Diana’s death. All of these aspects included work together to create an immersive viewing experience – what you’re seeing is what was shown on televisions around the world 25 to 30 years ago.

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The Princess surprisingly spends less time on Diana’s personal experience and instead uses the lens of the press and media to tell her story from a unique perspective. The film hauntingly suggests through its footage that the very people who adored her were, in the end, the cause of her destruction. 

It’s uncomfortable and invasive to watch at times; the footage captured was ruthless and it is obvious there was very little to no concern for the parties involved whatsoever. Press and photographers clamor over walls to shoot photos, sneak around to get a shot of Diana in a swimsuit at the poolside, and spare no time recording the faces of devastated and sobbing mourners. 

In seeing this perspective, there is surely something this documentary has to say about the media and society’s unhealthy obsession with famous figures. And the ruthlessness that comes with being in the public eye.

This film is quite emotional as the sense of loss is felt all over again in viewing the slow and steady deterioration of a human being. Witnessing all the scandal, the sadness, the mourning of the world as well as two young boys makes the film all the more devastating.

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Even if one is not well versed in the history of the royal family and politics, this documentary educates you enough to get a solid grasp of the situation. No matter ones interest in the scandal and tragedy, feeling emotional and sympathy for Diana is utterly inevitable.

The Princess is a well executed documentary that tackles the tragedy of Diana Spencer. It shines a light on the beauty she brought into the world, as well as the beauty she ultimately left in her wake. Seeing as how her life continues to be reflected in art, it’s assured that neither she nor her story will fade anytime soon.