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This gay, royal romcom is among the most hyped films of 2023 – is it any good?
By Jared Richards, August 11, 2023 — 5.30am
Forget Barbie, Dune: Part Two, or The Hunger Games prequel film. Over on TikTok, the year’s most anticipated film might just be Red, White and Royal Blue, Amazon Prime Video’s queer romcom about the son of a US president and a British prince. Adapted from Casey McQuiston’s bestselling novel, the film has already gained a substantial following on TikTok with passionate fans ready to promote it with endless memes and content.
Red, White and Royal Blue tells the fairytale story of Alex Claremont-Diaz, a bisexual, biracial Texan charmer, and Prince Henry, a bookish beauty. Their love, filled with romance tropes like enemies-to-lovers and falling for royalty, is made to be obsessed over. The film also adds a dash of political intrigue, with the story set during a US election and exploring how Buckingham Palace would handle a same-sex relationship.
A Heartwarming Romance with a Political Twist
On the scale of queer coming-of-age stories, Red, White and Royal Blue falls into the heartwarming romance category rather than the traumatic narratives typically seen. It joins the ranks of other affirming stories like Netflix’s series Heartstopper and the film Love, Simon and its spin-off series Love, Victor. These stories offer a gentle yet powerful portrayal of love where homophobia is easily conquered by true love.
The film deserves celebration for its sexual and racial representation. By reaching a larger audience through the film adaptation, Casey McQuiston’s story will resonate with younger audiences and provide greater visibility. However, representation alone does not guarantee a successful work, and that is where Red, White and Royal Blue falls short.
The Disappointing Quality
Unfortunately, Red, White and Royal Blue is not a well-made movie. It lacks visual appeal and has a surprisingly cheap made-for-TV look. The director jokingly referred to it as the “most expensive fan fiction” ever made, but the quality does not justify the expense. The film lacks attention to detail, with lifeless and staged scenes. However, the genuine chemistry between the two leads, played by Taylor Zakhar Perez and Nicholas Galitzine, adds charm to the film. Their intimate scenes are raunchy, believable, and tender, showcasing an undeniable connection.
A Steamy Queer Royal Romance
While Red, White and Royal Blue may not meet the expectations of those seeking a well-executed film, it fulfills its niche as a steamy queer royal romance. For those looking for a similar storyline with more care put into it, Netflix’s Young Royals offers a sexy Swedish series that may be more satisfying. Nevertheless, the appeal of Red, White and Royal Blue lies in its representation of queer love stories in all shapes and sizes, even if it falls into the category of a cheesy, ambient watch.
Overall, Jared Richards concludes that Red, White and Royal Blue may receive rave reviews and TikTok attention, but it falls short of being a vital watch. However, its significance lies in its contribution to the diversity of queer representation on screen.
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