Director Matthew López marks his debut with RED WHITE & ROYAL BLUE (2023). Its narrative merges the familiar elements of a classic cinematic romance with the unique complexities of two highly visible young men striving to safeguard their relationship from public scrutiny. Based on Casey McQuiston's novel, the film delves into the story of a British prince and the son of the President of the United States. Both aim to keep their romantic connection concealed to ensure their personal privacy and the avoidance of any family-related controversies.
Setting the groundwork, the movie takes us through the expected cinematic journey, where initial discord transforms into reluctant understanding, followed by flirtatious exchanges and the eventual realization of love.
Did I hear you say Wattpad? I can't blame you.
At the heart of the story is Alex Clarmont-Diaz (Taylor Zakhar Perez), son of President Ellen Clarmont (Uma Thurman) and Congressman Oscar Diaz (Clifton Collins Jr.). He's all about politics, but they've got him on glorified coffee duty, like escorting Nora, the granddaughter of the US Vice President (Rachel Hilson, a real charmer), to the wedding of the King of England's grandson, who's next in line to the throne. Alex isn't too jazzed about being a glorified photo prop and wouldn't care less about meeting Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine) if he tried.
Eventually, an incident at the wedding reception leads to a diplomatic necessity for both young men to project a close friendship on the global stage. While this setup is a trademark of romantic comedies, the plot goes beyond the conventional. López steers the narrative between slapstick humor and poignant moments, underscored by a diverse and culturally representative cast that incorporates their respective backstories. The film dives into themes of identity and familial acceptance as it highlights the importance of authenticity in a world often dictated by perceptions.
With a background in musical theater, López brings a sense of rhythm and pacing. Notably, scenes like the New Year's Eve party showcase a keen sense of timing. A scene involving the main characters confined in a closet blends discomfort, realization, and respect, revealing López's ability to present nuances sequences.
The cast is notably diverse, portraying characters with an effortless sense of authenticity that aligns with the narrative' setting's themes. Supporting characters show a strong self-assuredness, evident in their unapologetic embrace of their identities, including accents and cultural backgrounds.
An interaction between Alex and a Hispanic journalist highlights the dynamics of their exchange. The journalist's attempt to establish rapport by conversing in Spanish creates a nuanced moment of connection, despite Alex's apparent unease. Collins' Oscar, a supportive father, offers a poignant moment that underscores his endorsement of his son's relationship with Henry. During this exchange, Oscar briefly alludes to the challenges he and Ellen faced due to their differing cultural backgrounds, suggesting a theme of societal skepticism.
RED WHITE & ROYAL BLUE triumphs in portraying characters who navigate their relationships and identities with candor while avoiding the need to conform to societal expectations. This candid approach adds depth to its characters and enhances its storytelling. The film handles intimate moments with sensitivity, portraying the protagonists' sexual relationships with care. Alex's bisexuality and Henry's homosexuality are explored with an emphasis on their personal growth and self-discovery.
Don't get me wrong. At the end of the day, this one is still a fairy tale. And fairy tales adore their neat little bows. Sure, there's the odd twist that's smoother than a stick of butter. But the sizzling chemistry between Perez and Galitzine is like a firework show you just can't look away from. To enjoy this one is to allow yourself to plunge headfirst into this fantasy vortex.
After all, isn't that what a happily ever after is all about?
