Diana is a British biographical drama film that chronicles the last two years of Princess Diana's life. Directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel and written by Stephen Jeffreys, the movie is based on the book Diana: Her Last Love by Kate Snell. Naomi Watts portrays the role of the iconic Princess of Wales in this film that explores her personal and public life during a time when she was becoming increasingly independent from the Royal family.
The movie begins in 1995 when Diana was still married to Prince Charles but facing a crumbling marriage. She sets off on a humanitarian mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina where she is moved by the plight of landmine victims. During her visit, she meets Hasnat Khan (Naveen Andrews), a heart surgeon, and becomes infatuated with him. The two embark on a secret affair that lasts for the better part of two years. Diana even contemplates converting to Islam to be with him permanently.
As the film progresses, we see Diana's increasing disenchantment with the Royals and the increasing scrutiny that she is under from the paparazzi. She is also grappling with her own insecurities and demons, particularly her fear of growing old alone. Despite her status as one of the most famous women in the world, Diana feels isolated and unfulfilled in her personal life.
On the public front, Diana is increasingly involved in humanitarian and charitable causes. She visits camps of landmine victims, attends fundraisers for HIV/AIDs charities, and speaks out on behalf of various issues. Diana is presented as a strong, independent woman who is not afraid to ruffle feathers and follow her heart.
The movie also portrays the tumultuous relationship that Diana has with the paparazzi. She is constantly pursued by photographers who want to capture her every move. Diana's paranoia is heightened by the fact that she has numerous enemies in the Royal family, who she feels are leaking stories to the press. The tension comes to a head when Diana begins dating Dodi Fayed (Cas Anvar), a wealthy Egyptian businessman. The couple's August 1997 vacation in Paris is the subject of much controversy, and the film portrays the incident in detail without resorting to sensationalism.
Overall, Diana is a touching tribute to a beloved public figure who lived a life in the spotlight. The film captures the final years of Diana's life with sensitivity and grace, and Naomi Watts delivers a powerful performance as the icon. The movie does not shy away from portraying the darker aspects of Diana's life, such as her insecurities and vulnerabilities, but it ultimately celebrates her strength and resilience. The film is a fitting tribute to a woman who was both a princess and a humanitarian, and who left an indelible mark on the world.
Diana is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes.
