Based on The New York Times bestselling book by Casey McQuiston, Red, White & Royal Blue may not be a theatrical-released summer movie but that hasn’t stopped social media from positively buzzing about this much-anticipated LGBTQ movie over the past several months.
Premiering August 11 on Amazon Prime Video, Red, White & Royal Blue stars Taylor Zakhar Perez as Alex Claremont-Diaz, the “First Son” to the U.S. President (played by the always sensational Uma Thurman) and Nicholas Galitzine as Prince Henry of England, in the “Spare” royal order that our real world has come to understand all too well from Prince Harry.
What begins as a subtle competitiveness between the two men gradually evolves into a playful friendship, as they get to know one another beyond the social pressures and expectations of their elevated positions. What happens next surprises both men and sets them on a journey of hidden romance, as well as self-discovery and finding one’s purpose beyond the shadows of their elders.
Red, White & Royal Blue director Matthew López does a fantastic job creating a welcoming world among modern politics, power and privilege. His creative decision to play one early scene in slow-motion makes these self-realization moments in the movie that much more dramatic, heartfelt and visually stimulating.
You can tell that the actors Perez and Galitzine really committed to their leading roles for the chemistry between their two characters to seem believable to us viewers. They absolutely shine in their many affectionate and comedic moments together, but they also excel during the scenes of struggle, as the characters strive to figure out if their own happiness and the loyalty to their country can somehow co-exist.
The excellent supporting performances in Red, White & Royal Blue quickly become just as vital and engaging in making this fictional world come off even more real and pleasantly progressive. Beyond Thurman’s endearingly strong performance as President Ellen Claremont, other standouts include Rachel Hilson as Alex’s very close friend in the political world Nora Holleran and Sarah Shahi as the President’s Deputy Chief of Staff Zahra Bankston. Not only do they have some of the most enjoyable humor throughout the movie, but they make the world around Alex and Henry that much more vivid and three-dimensional.
The movie’s soundtrack quickly becomes its own important character in effectively telling this story. From Galitzine performing Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” during a fun karaoke scene to other passionate songs like “If I Loved You” by Vagabon and “First Kiss” from Drum & Lace’s exquisite score, the melodies throughout the movie help guide this sweeping narrative. Most notably, there is a scene between Alex and Henry when a cover of “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Perfume Genius plays at the perfect time during the characters’ strengthening relationship, a touching moment that will completely enchant audiences.
This is also far from being just another “fluff” movie. With its multi-layered characters and a storyline that seems rather relatable to the royal traditions and the American politics we have all come to know within our real world, Red, White & Royal Blue thoughtfully provides an overall message of inclusion that our divisive society and world leaders could very much learn a thing or two from.
Circling back to the great on-screen chemistry between Galitzine and Perez, the most intriguing part of the love story between their two characters is that it feels truly unexpected and never forced. Labels surrounding the characters’ sexuality are openly discussed in the movie, but it is refreshing to see that it is never really perceived as “taboo” nor as a personal choice that needs to be defended. The sincere vulnerability these actors are able to express within their performances has such an authenticity and an ease to it that you cannot help but root for a hopeful happy ending.
In the best ways, Red, White & Royal Blue embodies much of the cuteness and heart of beloved young adult movies that came before it, like What A Girl Wants (2003) and Love, Simon (2018), while creating its own memorable and bright tale that is more than worthy of your time.
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