The King

The King (2017) is a documentary film that takes a musical road trip across America in Elvis Presley's 1963 Rolls Royce, Phantom V. The film is directed by Eugene Jarecki, a two-time Sundance Grand Jury winner. The documentary explores the rise and fall of Elvis Presley and the state of America in the 21st century, featuring in-car discussions with musicians, celebrities, journalists, and historians. The film also examines Presley's appropriation of blues music and limited contribution to the Civil Rights Movement, contextualizing his success in light of white supremacy, black heritage, and cultural appropriation. The film begins positively, showcasing Presley's rise to success through archival footage and excited fans. However, it gradually shifts to convey his rapid decline, using chaotic footage overlaid with fast-paced music. The documentary ends with a drugged and pale Elvis singing "Unchained Melody" on stage, leaving audiences to ponder what happened to Presley and America. The film features various locations, including Tupelo, Mississippi, Memphis, Tennessee, New York City, and Las Vegas. It incorporates vintage film clips of blues artists who influenced Presley and includes interviews with Van Jones Chuck D, and TV auteur David Simon etc.

You can stream The King on: Apple TV Fandango at Home Peacock Pluto TV

Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as The King include On Putin's Blacklist, Three Identical Strangers, Take Care of Maya, Weiner, Citizen K, Blackfish.

The King was released for streaming on September 18, 2018.