Red, White & Royal Blue is a charming romantic comedy that will have viewers falling in love with Alex and Henry.
Red, White & Royal Blue is a romantic comedy that details the lives of the United States President’s son, Alex, and the Prince of England, Henry. Because of the political world, they are in each other’s lives whether they like it or not. At first, they cannot stand each other, but when forced to spend more time together, they cannot help but realize how much they have in common.
Note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Red, White, & Royal Blue would not exist without the labor of the writers and actors in both unions.
Right from the start it is clear that Red, White & Royal Blue is not only hilarious, but filled with strong emotions and heart as well. There are moments where both of these men completely bare their souls, and it is enough to give any viewer goose bumps. Not only are they adorable together, it is impossible not to root for them. Not just as a couple, but as individuals as well.
There is so much heart in this film. It details the many different reactions that friends, family, and even complete strangers can have when someone comes out (or is outed). But the way that Alex and Henry are there for each other every step of the way is inspiring. Any couple should strive to be like them, and to have the open relationship that they do.
Without spoilers, there are several moments and scenes that are extremely heartwarming, as well as heartbreaking. The main reason it works so well is because the relationship between Alex and Henry is whole-heartedly believable. This is not only a testament to the writing, which is based on a book by the same name, but also to the two actors who very clearly poured their souls into becoming these characters.
The only downfall to the movie is that it feels like it goes on a little bit too long. It makes sense to wrap up all of the storylines, including Prince Henry needing to be comfortable with who he is, and Alex’s mother running for re-election as President of the United States. However, these could have been tightened up just a tad to keep Red, White & Royal Blue around an hour and forty-five minutes long instead of two hours.
That being said, this is a selfish request and mostly because we need more of Alex and Henry. A sequel, multiple sequels, or a series, would all work. Because so much is included in this first film, that takes away from potential future storylines. Still, we are certain that where there is a will, there is a way, and we could be seeing more from these two.
One thing is for sure, the world is loving Red, White & Royal Blue. Not only is it well acted, it is absolutely charming. There is so much to love about this film, and the relationship that Alex and Henry build. Sure, it might be a little bit predictable and a tad too long, but it is impossible not to have a smile on your face and tear in your eye while you watch it.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
NEXT: The Beanie Bubble Review
About Red, White & Royal Blue
Based on the New York Times bestseller, Red, White & Royal Blue centers around Alex, the president’s son, and Britain’s Prince Henry whose long-running feud threatens to drive a wedge in U.S./British relations.
When the rivals are forced into a staged truce, their icy relationship begins to thaw and the friction between them sparks something deeper than they ever expected.
Red, White & Royal Blue is now streaming on Prime Video.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.