Thomas Storai 
“Red, White & Royal Blue is a delightful and charming queer rom-com. It is a film that will make you laugh, cheer and cry. Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez are undeniably charismatic and have an incredible chemistry.”
Red, White & Royal Blue is the latest rom-com from Amazon Studios and Berlanti-Schechter Films. It is based on the novel of the same name by Casey McQuiston. The film releases tomorrow on Prime Video
THE PREMISE
Red, White & Royal Blue follows the story of Alex Claremont-Diaz (Taylor Zakhar Perez), the son of the first woman President of the United States (Uma Thurman) and Britain’s Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine). The two are good-looking with great charisma and are well-known around the world but they hate each other. It all goes wrong with a disastrous altercation at a royal event. This leads both their families to go into damage control mode forcing them into a staged “truce.” But as Alex and Henry start to actually know each other, things take an unexpected turn for them.
STORY
The first part of the film is absolutely funny with the two leads hating each other. In fact, the back and forth banter is just exquisite. Though, it’s what comes after that is the most interesting – the two getting to know each other with the romance starting. Yes, it uses the cliché trope of they hate each other and then fall in love but it’s a rom-com, we are here for the cliché romance. And this is without any doubt a delightful and charming queer rom-com.
In fact, it’s a story about two men trapped in their own cages who find their way together. Both are public figures, meaning that they are judged for whatever they do. Thus, a son of a US president having a relationship with a British Prince can be complicated even more so for the Prince because of all the rules that comes with royalty. It’s touching to see the two characters navigating through all of this.
There are some really emotional moments that will definitely bring tears to your eyes. It is a film that will make you laugh at times, it will also make you cheer and it will make you cry too. All in all, this romance is a story that makes you believe in love and want to fight for it. It is an inspiring and powerful film. Furthermore, the relationship of Henry and Alex is portrayed in an authentic way that doesn’t shy away from the spicy stuff. Indeed, it does show the horniness of the characters, it is a lot of fun.
On a side note, there is a fun little post-credits scene.
QUEER ROM-COM
It is truly a great rom-com. Indeed, it has the heart of these Hugh Grant rom-coms from the 90s and early 2000s that I loved except this time it is about our community. This film is unabashedly and proudly queer. It’s what we need and what we deserve. So, more rom-coms like this one please! After the credits started rolling, I just wanted to see it again and again.
Having a story like this one is a refreshing change from the recent American/British high school LGBT stories. I love Heartstopper, Love Simon, Love Victor, they are amazing LGBT stories and they mean a lot to me. But as an adult, I want to see stories that also feature characters who are about my age and Red, White & Royal Blue is this type of story. It is everything I want. On top of that, I think it is great that people from the LGBT community from different generations can enjoy stories with characters who may be from their generation. This is so meaningful and empowering.
CAST
Furthermore, the two leads Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez are undeniably charismatic and have an incredible chemistry. This is what I would call perfect casting. They both shine delivering heartfelt performances. Though, Galitzine is the real emotional heart of the film. The way he portrays Henry’s struggles is so deeply moving. I have followed Galitzine’s career ever since Handsome Devil, he is a talented actor and this is his best performance yet.
Additionally, there is also a great supporting cast. Sarah Shahi is quite funny and sassy with her line delivery. While Uma Thurman wonderfully plays this loving mother and strong president. There is a really sweet and touching scene between her and Taylor in the film.
VISUALS & SOUNTRACK
This film is Tony-Award winning playwright Matthew Lopez’s directorial debut. Undoubtedly, this is a success for him. He has done a fantastic work bringing this story to life. He truly cares about getting the best out of his cast. There is a passionate sex scene and Lopez has a beautiful way to film it. It’s not about showing an ass (we don’t see that) but it’s really about capturing how the characters feel in that moment and the love they share with each other. The same goes for some other suggestive horny scenes. You know it’s happening but they don’t show everything.
Moreover, I want to mention a scene that takes place at a museum because it is a masterclass at directing and editing. Indeed, this scene is absolutely beautiful. I love the transition between Drum & Lace’s score and ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ by Perfume Genius. The monologue, then the dancing and the dialogue, everything is just right. It hits all the right notes. This is the ultimate romantic gay scene. I think everyone will be talking about this scene. Finally, Drum & Lace delivers a lovely score. The film also uses a good mix of songs that are fitting for a rom-com.
VERDICT
Red, White & Royal Blue is a delightful and charming queer rom-com. It is a film that will make you laugh, cheer and cry. This is an inspiring story that depicts the relationship between its leads in an authentic way and doesn’t shy away from the spicy stuff. Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez are undeniably charismatic and have an incredible chemistry. They both deliver heartfelt performances but Galitzine is the real emotional heart of this film.
Red, White & Royal Blue premieres tomorrow on Prime Video.
Collectables Editor at Future Of The Force.
Star Wars and Marvel specialist, anime expert
