The story opens in 1997 with the passing of Colonel Tom Parker, portrayed by Tom Hanks, igniting a wave of media scrutiny aimed at dissecting his controversial legacy. As his narrative unfolds, he portrays himself as the orchestrator behind the rise of Elvis Presley, the legendary King of Rock and Roll, played by Austin Butler.
Flashing back to the extravagant 1970s in Las Vegas, we find a weary Elvis, struggling to perform at the International Hotel. His devoted team, desperate to revive him, resorts to submerging his head in icy water. Despite the odds, he summons the strength to deliver a breathtaking rendition of "An American Trilogy," leaving the audience in awe. As Parker reflects on his past during a solitary stroll through a deserted casino, he grapples with the heavy echoes of history and the rumors seeking to taint his reputation.
However, the tale truly begins in the mid-1950s when Parker was just another unknown immigrant at a traveling carnival alongside Hank Snow, whose character is played by David Wenham. Parker's fortunes shift dramatically with the arrival of Jimmie Rodgers, portrayed by Kodi Smit-McPhee, the son of a famous country singer. Parker is captivated by Jimmie's unconventional sound, which draws heavily on African-American musical influences, leading him to envision a path that would forever change rock history.
Parker’s narration takes a pivotal turn as he remembers the moment he first encountered Elvis during a radio performance by Hank. A timid young man, spurred on by his mother Gladys, portrayed by Helen Thomson, finally finds the courage to perform. What Parker fails to mention is Elvis's deep-seated trauma from losing his twin brother Jesse at birth; this pain manifests in his admiration for comic book heroes, embodying strength and escape.
Despite initial ridicule, Elvis captivates the crowd with his unique voice and dynamic dance, triggering a mix of adoration and disapproval among spectators. This unpredictable reaction would define Elvis's career as he tours the Southern states with Hank's troupe. Determined to elevate Elvis's status, Parker joins the tour, recognizing the young artist's formidable appeal that Hank struggles to appreciate.
Elvis's quest for success is supported by his family, notably Gladys and Vernon, played by Richard Roxburgh who join him in his endeavors. Through a series of heartfelt moments, Elvis convinces his mother of his potential, despite her own skepticism about the industry. Initially working as a truck driver, he is mesmerized by the brilliance of black musicians on Beale Street. Notably, the performances of BB King, played by Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Big Mama Thornton, portrayed by Shonka Dukureh, ignite his passion for music.
As Elvis's career flourishes, he moves his family to Graceland, the estate that would become emblematic of his legacy. Amid his rise to fame, Elvis faces a new challenge as his provocative dance moves attract scrutiny. Senator James Eastland, played by Nicholas Bell, leads a campaign against him, demanding he conform to public expectations or else face dire consequences.
Under pressure, Elvis’s management insists on a more conservative image and sound, straining his bond with Gladys, who is grappling with her own demons of alcoholism. In search of solace, Elvis seeks comfort in the company of BB and other musicians, vowing to remain true to himself despite the pressure.
As the tensions escalate, Parker’s attempts to control Elvis are challenged when the star defiantly claims his identity during a high-stakes performance, igniting an audience frenzy that leads to his arrest. By 1958, with whispers of imprisonment looming, circumstances push Elvis to serve in the military, further complicating his relationship with his ailing mother.
While stationed in Germany, Elvis encounters Priscilla Wagner, played by Olivia DeJonge, and their whirlwind romance blossoms amidst global turbulence. The 1960s see Elvis return to America, rejuvenating his acting career while navigating the trials of family life. Together with Priscilla, they welcome daughter Lisa Marie.
Throughout this period, the weight of social issues affects Elvis deeply, particularly the assassination of figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. While Parker suggests it has no connection to their world, Elvis feels the intimate ties to his own struggles. Elvis’s comeback culminates in a celebrated NBC Christmas special, transforming a routine performance into an anthem for social change.
Establishing a stronghold at the International Hotel, a deal brokered by Parker also binds Elvis financially, trapping him in a situation that leads to greater tension between artistic desires and commercial realities. As the allure of fame turns sour, Elvis's personal life crumbles, highlighted by puppy love and betrayal, especially as Priscilla becomes a distant figure in the chaos of his addiction.
Years later, as Elvis's health deteriorates and his self-destruction intensifies, resignation sets in. A final on-stage outburst against Parker crystallizes his frustrations, leading to a bitter divorce that ultimately takes a toll on their daughter, Lisa Marie.
In a melancholic climax, 1977 sees Elvis, at just 42, depart from this world, his passing evoking widespread grief and a solemn response from President Jimmy Carter. Colonel Parker reflects on the irony of it all, suggesting that it was not the excesses that took Elvis, but his fervent longing for love and adoration.
By 1997, the repercussions of Parker's exploitative years set in; his life spirals as legal repercussions follow. In stark contrast, Elvis's music endures, immortalizing him as one of the highest-selling solo artists, profoundly influencing generations and securing his place in the annals of cultural history.
