The casting for the movie is exceptional, but Gaga gives a larger-than-life performance. Gaga’s pop star persona is barely noticeable here as she immerses herself into the role of Patrizia. Although Patrizia is still alive, Gaga refused to meet with her as she did not want to fuel Patrizia’s self-glorification for her former husband’s murder. Choosing to focus on videos and interview clips instead, Gaga replicates Patrizia’s mannerisms, Italian accent and fashion choices.

“Spencer” is not quite narrative in the traditional sense. Sequences without consequence to the plot make up the majority of its end, opting instead to swath the Princess in a fantastic, symbolic air. While this is not necessarily something to dislike, it does not fit as neatly into the genre as some viewers may have expected. This film is likely to be polarizing amongst both general audiences and fans of Diana, who go in anticipating a biopic but come out with an entirely different experience.