Elle Fanning Channels Her Inner Pop Star in Teen Spirit Teaser

Just days after we got our first glimpse of Natalie Portman as a past-her-prime pop star in the upcoming movie Vox Lux, the new Teen Spirit teaser gives us a window into what it looks like on the way up. This time, it’s Elle Fanning channeling her inner pop star for Max Minghella’s directorial debut.

In it, Fanning plays Violet, a timid British teenager whose humdrum life is transformed when she auditions for a singing competition called Teen Spirit, built in the mold of American Idol. Judging by the breakneck trailer, Violet embarks on a whirlwind tour that tests her mettle in every way. Rebecca Hall makes an appearance at the end, and tells Violet not to take her newfound fame for granted.

Fanning’s vocal chops are no secret after she showed off her impressive voice in 2016 in a video for W, so its no wonder that Minghella, who also wrote the film, had her perform all of her own songs for the film’s soundtrack. According to Deadline, “Fanning is simply a revelation” in the role, giving a performance that “could change the trajectory of her own career.”

While Teen Spirit will likely include some original songs, it will also feature covers of real songs from actual pop luminaries like Robyn, Ariana Grande, and Ellie Goulding. Fanning even posted an Instagram of herself rehearsing for the role last year, with a caption that read, “the pop sensation has begun #teenspirit rehearsal.”

Unfortunately, it may be a while before we get to see Fanning’s pop transformation onscreen, since Teen Spirit still doesn’t have a U.S. distributor. But expect that to change next week, when the film premieres at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival, where it’s on track to be one of the fest’s most sought after titles.

Watch the Teen Spirit trailer, below.