Netflix’s documentary “Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley” takes viewers on a fascinating journey through the life of the king of rock 'n' roll — showing us the good, the bad, and the downright legendary moments that made him who he was.
Packed with interviews from his wife Priscilla Presley, close friends and stars like Bruce Springsteen and Conan O’Brien, the film paints a picture of an icon who broke barriers and created a legacy that still holds strong.
Elvis’s love for music started young. Growing up in Mississippi, he was mesmerised by gospel sounds outside churches attended by black people.
“I always liked music. Both my mom and dad loved to sing,” he once said.
Unlike many in the segregated South, Elvis embraced black culture, boldly covering songs by its artists. This wasn’t common back then and some accused him of trying to “be black”.
But the film makes it clear — Elvis genuinely respected the music and just wanted to share it with the world.
In the 1950s, he was a rule-breaker. He wore make-up, leaned into his sexual charisma, and moved his hips like he just couldn’t stand still.
Those legendary dance moves even earned him the nickname “Elvis the Pelvis”, which he didn’t appreciate, calling it childish. But those moves? They had people swooning and parents clutching their pearls.
After his early success, things went sideways when Elvis started focusing on Hollywood movies. While his earlier hits made him a star, the films and their soundtracks were underwhelming.
By the mid-60s, he was being overshadowed by “The Beatles” and “The Rolling Stones”, who were pushing music into new territory.
The documentary doesn’t only focus on the music. It dives into Elvis’s personal life too, like his time in the military when he had to say goodbye to his iconic sideburns.
Fans were gutted but he took it in stride. The film delves into his love for acting, fuelled by his admiration for James Dean, and the battle to stay relevant while dealing with his manager’s controlling grip.
The documentary sheds light on how Elvis’s career was steered more by Colonel Tom Parker’s commercial ambitions than by Elvis’s true artistic vision.
Priscilla opens up about his anger and frustration, sharing how difficult it was for him to be forced into roles he didn’t want to take on.
Like many Hollywood stories, it became less about talent and more about profit, leaving Elvis feeling silenced and discouraged.
But “Return of the King” isn’t just about his struggles — it’s a celebration of his resilience and his refusal to let his creativity be stifled. When the pressure to conform became too much, Elvis chose to take control of his own destiny.
He went back to his roots, finding comfort and purpose in spiritual music. The documentary highlights this deeply personal chapter, revealing how his connection to gospel music earned him three Grammy Awards — all for his gospel recordings.
For Elvis, it wasn’t about commercial success; it was about staying true to where his heart truly belonged.
By 1968, Elvis hadn’t performed live in years and his star seemed to be fading. But the man wasn’t done yet. Instead of playing it safe with a cheesy Christmas special, he insisted on a live show to celebrate his rock 'n' roll roots.
That performance, later dubbed “The Comeback Special”, was a game-changer. Dressed in black leather, Elvis reminded the world why he was the king of rock 'n' roll.