Prime Video’s new rom-com, Red, White & Royal Blue is based on the novel of the same name by Casey McQuiston. 

McQuiston is an American author of adult romance fiction. Red, White & Royal Blue (her debut novel) made it to the New York Times Best Seller’s list. So, it was a no-brainer to turn this steam novel into a steamy film.

RED WHITE AND ROYAL BLUE GOES THERE

What I really enjoyed about Red, White, & Royal Blue is that it follows all of my favorite rom-com tropes, including enemies to lovers. Which for some reason is one of my favorite trope genres. Hello…Anthony and Kate, anyone? 

We have miscommunication, fish out of water, and two people who are from very different backgrounds and lead incredibly different lives. Alex Claremont-Diaz (Taylor Zakhar Perez) is an American who grew up in a blue-collar family. He’s half Latinx and half white, and his mother got into politics eventually becoming President. Alex is bi-sexual but has to keep his sexuality a secret because Gay and Politics do not tend to mix. 

Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine), in his own words, is the spare. He’s the 2nd born son of the English Royal family. He has been gay his entire life but has kept it from his family, as well as the public because it would be a giant scandal. The two couldn’t be more different which becomes incredibly apparent the move their story unfolds.

Alex and Henry hate each other, but it’s never really clear why in the beginning. Eventually, we learn it’s because they both are attracted to each other and knew they couldn’t do anything about it. So, why admit it to yourself? That is until the two are forced together on a PR Campaign to show that the two are actually “best buds.” As the PR Campaign comes to an end, the two remain in friendly contact, flirting from time to time, but keeping each other at arm’s length.

That is, until Alex’s New Year’s Eve party where Henry can’t contain his feelings for Alex any longer and kisses him.

THE MOVIE GETS STEAMY

Red, White, and Royal Blue the novel, is an adult romance, but I wasn’t sure how far they would go for the film. While Alex and Henry bond via text message there are a handful of very adult jokes which I found hilarious and adorable. Their first kiss is fantastic and I love that Alex mentioned Henry’s hand on the back of his head because it’s 100% what I noticed. 

What I also love is that the film doesn’t shy away from a sex scene. If this were a straight story we wouldn’t even bat an eye, but to see two queer men have sex isn’t something you see often, if at all in films like this. I applaud them for giving us honest moments, and love scenes between these two characters. 

There are great side characters in the film as well. Uma Thurman as President Claremont is best when she’s balancing business and motherhood. I love the scene when she and Alex are curled up on the couch having a heartfelt conversation. Rachel Hilson (Love Victor) has Alex’s BFF Nora is someone we all need in our lives. She speaks the truth and points out everything Alex is scared to admit. Yet, she supports him at every turn.

Sarah Shahi (Sex/Life) is also a standout as President Claremont’s right hand. She is hilarious and grounded as she has to deal with the fallout of Henry and Alex’s romance. Clifton Collins Jr. as Alex’s father, Senator Oscar Diaz, is as kind and supportive as you need him to be.

WHERE THE FILM FALLS FLAT

Nicholas Galitzine (Purple Hearts) is acting his butt off in this film. Every scene he’s in he steals. Every time he hurts I hurt. That said, where Red, White, & Royal Blue misses the mark is the chemistry between their two leads. I believe Henry is in love with Alex, but I don’t believe Alex is in love with Henry. 

This is a shame because I’ve seen the interviews and Taylor Zakhar Perez (The Kissing Booth), and Galitzine seem like good buddies. In the film, I also believe there’s a friendship, but I don’t feel their romantic connection. 

Overall, I had a good time with this film. I was entertained, I enjoyed the chaos and the antics. So, if you’re looking for something fun and steamy light, check out Red, White & Royal Blue on Prime Video beginning August 11, 2023!