“Thinking about history makes me wonder how I’ll fit into it one day, I guess. And you are too. I kind of wish people still wrote like that. History, huh? Bet we could make some.”
― Casey McQuiston, Red, White & Royal Blue
Introduction to Red White & Royal Blue:
With “Red White & Royal Blue,” director Matthew López makes a phenomenon feature debut with a love story that expertly marries the typical beats of a classic movie romance with the particular details of two of the world’s most public young men trying to keep their relationship secret. The film red white & royal blue is based on Casey McQuiston’s best-selling novel about a British royal and the son of the President of the United States. They mutually want to keep their relationship private to safeguard their privacy, but keeping their families out of the spotlight is even more essential to them.
Before then, there’s the movie (red white & royal blue) part, when initial animosity transforms to unwilling respect, then some playful banter, and finally a growing realization that they’re passionately in love. Taylor Zakhar Perez (Alex Clarmont-Diaz) is the son of President Ellen Clarmont (Uma Thurman) and Congressman Oscar Diaz (Clifton Collins Jr.). He is passionate in politics but is limited to ceremonial duties, such as accompanying Nora, the granddaughter of the US Vice President, to the wedding of the King of England’s grandson and next in line to the throne. Alex is irritated that he has been assigned to such a photo-op event, and he does not want to see the groom’s brother, Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine).
We will find out later in the article (red white & royal blue) that why they dislike each other.
At the wedding reception, they make an embarrassing mess. It appears crucial in international relations to demonstrate to the world that the two young guys are close buddies. This is a more aspiring tale than a typical rom-com. López and his talented cast expertly transition from near comedy to heartbreaking drama.
Cast of Red White and Royal Blue:
The cast of red white & royal blue is diverse and refreshing, with a downplay, almost relaxed, natural sense that this is just the world these folks live in. Each supporting character is confident in their own skin and does not feel the need to muffle their accents or otherwise “blend in.” When Alex engages with a Hispanic reporter who is always looking for an edge, it becomes a beautifully handled plot point. We can see that in the way the journalist speaks to Alex in Spanish, assuming a level of kinship and familiarity that Alex uneasily rejects. Oscar, played by the always-fantastic Collins, has a nice scene in which he shows his son that he supports his love for Henry. Oscar briefly mentions the difficulties he and Ellen had, hinting that their differing cultural backgrounds made many suspicious of their future.
These subtle, thoughtful details lend depth to what could otherwise be a glossy but dull Hallmark-style film, and López’s background in musical theater gives him a superb sense of storytelling rhythm. Kristina Hetherington and Nick Moore edit a New Year’s Eve party scene with humor and style. And a moment in which the still-aggressive couple is trapped in a literal closet is the perfect combination of claustrophobic agony, a growing recognition of their attraction, and even more surprising, mutual respect.
Excitingly, the movie, red white & royal blue, allows its ethnically, culturally, and nationally varied people to avoid the code-switching that real-life and fictional characters frequently use to make others feel more at ease. In that inner being, it allows Alex and Henry to be open about their relationship, including their sexual relationship, which is graphic but depicted with sensitivity to its growing intimacy. Alex is a bisexual man. Henry is a gay man. They’re both conflicted about what that means for their very public families, but they know who they are and, when they’re honest with themselves, they know what they want for their life as a couple.
However, because it is a fairy tale, there are plot contrivances that are simply too convenient. The shimmering tenderness between Perez and Galitzine, on the other hand, encourages the very willing suspension of disbelief, which is what happily ever after is all about.
Conclusion:
Despite its minor flaws, ‘Red White & Royal Blue’ manages to keep you entertained. It’s a heartfelt romcom that, while not rewriting the queer storytelling rulebook, waltzes to its own beat. So, if you’re looking for a heartwarming fairy tale with two attractive boys making out at every opportunity or lack thereof, this could be the feel-better escape you’re looking for. Just don’t hope it to be a pioneering LGBT revolution anthem. Sometimes a classic romantic story is all you need to make you happy. Even if it is predictable, it has a joyful ending. There was no joke intended.
Red white & Royal blue is now streaming on Amazon Prime video, click the link below to stream it now!
Prime Video: Red, White & Royal Blue
Also Read:
- “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” (2020)- A Thought-Provoking Review – (passportandstilettos.com)
- An insightful exploration of J. Robert Oppenheimer: A mind – blowing review on Oppenheimer. – (passportandstilettos.com)
- “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” (2020)- A Thought-Provoking Review – (passportandstilettos.com)
Written by: Anshika Patra
