Baz Luhrmann’s latest work, delivered a dazzling premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, cementing itself as one of the most talked-about cultural events of the year. The film, which reintroduces Elvis Presley to audiences through restored footage of his Las Vegas residency in the late 1960s and early 1970s, is not simply a documentary or a concert replay. Instead, it offers a layered, cinematic experience that merges archival performances with Presley’s own narration, creating a portrait of the King of Rock ’n’ Roll that feels immediate, alive, and deeply emotional.
For more than four decades, reels of Presley’s concerts and behind-the-scenes rehearsals sat undisturbed in Warner Bros.’ storage vaults. Buried among them were nearly sixty hours of never-before-seen footage and candid interviews, materials thought lost to time. With painstaking restoration, these images and sounds have been given new life, capturing both Presley’s raw magnetism on stage and his more private moments off it. The result is a work that transports audiences directly into the world of Elvis at his peak, reminding both longtime fans and new viewers why his presence loomed so large in music history.
The energy in Toronto during the premiere underscored the enduring power of Presley’s artistry. Reports from the screening described festivalgoers swaying in their seats during his rendition of “Suspicious Minds,” a moment that revealed how Luhrmann’s approach not only preserves history but actively revives it. The restored visuals, paired with enhanced sound design and Luhrmann’s signature storytelling rhythm, transform archival footage into something that feels cinematic rather than merely historical.
True to his style, Luhrmann defies convention in how he frames the narrative. The film resists categorization, existing somewhere between concert film, documentary, and cinematic poem. Instead of outside experts or retrospective commentary, Elvis himself takes center stage as narrator, with his voice guiding the audience through both triumphant and contemplative moments. This choice creates an intimacy rarely achieved in posthumous portraits of cultural icons. Quiet interludes of reflection blend seamlessly with explosive stage sequences, ensuring that Presley’s humanity is never overshadowed by spectacle.
Still, the film has sparked debate. Critics, while praising its electric presentation, have noted that EPiC tends to sidestep complex aspects of Presley’s legacy, such as questions of cultural appropriation and his relative silence during pivotal moments in American social history. These omissions, some argue, tilt the film toward myth-making rather than a more balanced reckoning with Presley’s role in shaping popular culture. One particularly striking sequence juxtaposes Elvis singing “In the Ghetto” with a reporter’s fleeting question about the Vietnam War, a moment that hints at deeper tensions but stops short of exploring them fully. By positioning Colonel Tom Parker’s influence as a limiting factor on Presley’s public voice, the film casts Elvis more as a restrained figure than an active participant in the political landscape of his era.
Despite these criticisms, the reception in Toronto was one of awe and celebration. TIFF, marking its 50th anniversary this year, gave Luhrmann’s film a prime showcase slot at the Princess of Wales Theatre, signaling confidence in its cultural significance. Alongside other high-profile premieres, including David Michôd’s Christy, EPiC stood out as a centerpiece, reaffirming both the festival’s prestige and Luhrmann’s reputation as a visionary filmmaker capable of turning archival material into high art.
Ultimately, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert succeeds in achieving what few music documentaries manage: it makes the past feel urgently present. Rather than reducing Elvis to a relic of the 20th century, the film presents him as a living force, with performances that pulse with energy and a narrative voice that still resonates with authenticity. In doing so, Luhrmann has crafted more than a tribute. He has created a cinematic resurrection, inviting audiences to feel once again the excitement, vulnerability, and sheer charisma of the man who changed popular music forever.
