Shadows on the Wall | Red, White & Royal Blue

Red, White & Royal Blue

dir Matthew Lopez
scr Matthew Lopez, Ted Malawer
prd Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter
with Taylor Zakhar Perez, Nicholas Galitzine, Uma Thurman, Clifton Collins Jr, Rachel Hilson, Sarah Shahi, Juan Castano, Ellie Bamber, Thomas Flynn, Malcolm Atobrah, Akshay Khanna, Stephen Fry
release US/UK 11.Aug.23
23/UK Amazon 1h58

Is it streaming?

Charming and more than a little corny, this romantic comedy playfully takes on both American politics and the British royal family. While many jokes are sharply barbed, the script plays it very safe. So as the story grapples with sexuality in a public forum, there isn't much actual insight into an important theme. But filmmaker Matthew Lopez and his likeable cast keep the film sweetly engaging and thoroughly entertaining.

After a spectacular public spat at a royal wedding, Prince Henry (Galitzine) and Alex (Perez), son of US President Claremont (Thurman), need to do damage control by pretending to be best friends. And both are startled to discover a mutual attraction, which needs to remain secret because King James (Fry) simply can't accept such a thing and President Claremont is campaigning for re-election. They find support from Alex's friend Nora (Hilson), his dad Oscar (Collins) and Henry's sister Beatrice (Bamber). But Alex's ex Miguel (Castano) is a nosey journalist who is threatening to out them.

With a buoyant comical tone, the movie amiably peppers scenes with gentle points and witty banter. The focus remains on the central couple, leaving the side characters' stories largely off-screen. But the romance is nicely played thanks to strong chemistry between two young men who have very different backgrounds but a shared sense of life in the public gaze. And there's a spicy sense of lustiness between them as well. Thankfully, the story structure avoids most of the usual romcom cliches.

In addition to being ludicrously easy on the eyes, Perez and Galitzine find character depth even in the goofier moments. Alex and Henry have personal issues they must work through to create a proper relationship, and then they also must face going public before they're ready. The actors effortlessly bridge comedy, romance and darker dramatic scenes. And they have fizzy interaction with the supporting cast, most of whom hover around the edges dropping hilarious punchlines. Thurman has a lot of fun with her role, while Shahi is the top scene-stealer as Alex's over-achieving assistant.

While it's never terribly surprising where this narrative goes, there are some unpredictably big issues to deal with along the way. The film takes some knowing jabs that never quite draw blood. For example, the British tabloids would have been exponentially worse than depicted here. And the American election process seems almost pleasant here. But as an escapist romance that touches lightly on some meaningful themes, this definitely hits the spot.

themes, language, sexuality 27.Jul.23

R E A D E R R E V I E W S

Still waiting for your comments ... don't be shy.