Review: ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’
Essential viewing for anyone who’s a fan of rom-coms, Red, White & Royal Blue is a funny, heartwarming and incredibly moving watch, anchored by a charming Taylor Zakhar Perez and a soulful Nicholas Galitzine.
Matthew López‘s adaptation of Casey McQuiston‘s beloved novel Red, White & Royal Blue, streaming tomorrow on Prime Video, is a delightful, heartwarming addition to the rom-com cannon. Surprisingly nuanced, dynamic and progressive, it’s also much better than it has any right to be, thanks to López’s careful, empathetic direction and a soulful, searing turn from Nicholas Galitzine, who delivers one of the best performances of the year so far.
Red, White & Royal Blue centers on Alex Claremont-Diaz (Taylor Zakhar Perez), the son of the President of the United States (Uma Thurman), and Britain’s Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine), who on the surface, seem to have a lot in common: Stunning good looks, undeniable charisma, and international popularity. However, secretly below the surface, they both harbor a deep and total disdain for each other stemming from an awkward first meeting. Separated by an ocean, their long-running feud hasn’t really been an issue, until a disastrous—and very public—altercation at a royal event becomes tabloid fodder, driving a potential wedge in U.S./British relations at the worst possible time. Going into damage-control mode, their families and handlers force the two rivals into a staged “truce.” But as Alex and Henry’s icy relationship unexpectedly begins to thaw into a tentative friendship, the friction that existed between them sparks something deeper than they ever expected.
Perez is undeniably charming and charismatic as the outgoing and extroverted Alex, who is practically bursting at the seams with positivity and an upbeat energy that’s as infectious as it is radiant. Alex is so incredibly sure of himself in almost every single aspect of his life, including his sexuality, and Perez is able to perfectly capture that side of him without ever coming across as cocky or narcissistic, which may not have been the case in another actor’s hands. It’s a very fine line for the actor to walk but he proves he is more than capable with an endearing, personable performance that sits right at home in the upper echelon of likeable rom-com leads.
Galitzine, on the other hand, is perfectly cast as the guarded, more introverted Henry, who finds himself struggling with the expectations placed upon him due to his royal lineage. It’s a sensitive, achingly human portrayal of self-doubt, and the inner struggle that comes with having to accept yourself for who you are in an environment that doesn’t as easily allow for it to happen. It’s also a surprisingly layered and nuanced performance, far more moving and haunting than one would come to expect in a rom-com. While Henry is not as brash or as outspoken as Alex, preferring to internalize his feelings rather than wear them on his sleeves, Galitzine still manages to perfectly capture his inner turmoil through his eyes and physicality alone, expressing his character’s journey in the most subtle of ways. As Henry becomes more and more comfortable with himself and with Alex, the more he’s able to come to life as a character, slowly shifting from reserved and morose to open and confident, and Galitzine is able to flawlessly portray both sides of Henry as authentically and as organically as possible. If Perez’s Alex is the heart of the film, then Galitzine’s Henry is undoubtedly its soul.
The film would not have worked as well as it does, however, if it weren’t for the electrifying chemistry between its two leads. Perez and Galitzine are dynamite together, lighting up the screen with so much intensity, it’s practically blinding. Much has been made online regarding the so-called lack of chemistry between the two actors but fans of the book needn’t have worried; Alex and Henry could not have been in better hands. Both actors perfectly understand their characters and their respective journeys, and, under the careful, sensitive direction of López, who is known for his writing acclaimed 2018 play The Inheritance, they’re able to deliver pitch perfect performances that elevate the film from being just another endearing and inoffensive rom-com.
Fans of the book will know that much of the communication that takes place between Alex and Henry, at least in the first half of the novel, is conducted through e-mails and text messages, and López finds a clever and inventive way to depict their early musings and conversations, cycling through a series of montages and on-screen collages that playfully showcase the duo’s initial heart-to-hearts in a wholly engaging way. And while the film tackles important issues that many young people experience in today’s social and political climate, it’s also laugh out loud funny, thanks to a number of incredibly fun setpieces and wry, sarcastic one-liners delivered with gusto by the film’s cast. The film, however, is not quite perfect; its uncannily picturesque, seemingly artificial cinematography leaves a lot to be desired, and it also comes quite close to overstaying its welcome by the time it concludes its almost 2-hour long runtime. It also underuses many of its impressive supporting cast, including Rachel Hilson, Aneesh Sheth, Thomas Flynn and Ellie Bamber.
All in all, however, Red, White & Blue is overall a triumph and an absolute delight, brimming with passion, heart and wit. Essential viewing for anyone who’s a fan of rom-coms, it’s an effortless, genuinely moving crowdpleaser, and a stunning reminder that love is worth fighting for time and time again.
Red, White & Royal Blue debuts on Prime Video on August 11, 2023.