Red, White and Royal Blue review: RWRB is everything fans could have hoped for (and more!)

As I geared up to watch Amazon’s adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s bestselling novel Red, White and Royal Blue, I’ll admit that I was afraid. This book moved me in a way I never expected and made me feel things no other book I’d read before had ever made me feel. So I can confess I had a mix of excitement and fear that the adaptation might not capture the magic that McQuiston so beautifully penned. Luckily, it was everything I could have hoped for and more.

Let’s start with our leading men as the heart and soul of the movie lies in the incredible performances of Taylor Zakhar Perez and Nicholas Galitzine.

Perez’s portrayal of Alex Claremont-Diaz is nothing short of perfection. He effortlessly brings the wit, charm, charisma, emotional depth, and vulnerability of our beloved First Son to life. From his fiery exchanges with Prince Henry to the heartwarming moments that melt our hearts, Perez shines brightly, capturing Alex’s journey from rivalry to romance in a way that’s both relatable and endearing. He embodies the essence of Alex’s complexity, masterfully capturing the essence of a young man navigating his journey of finding his true self.

Then there is Nicholas Galitzine our Prince Henry. Galitzine gracefully steps into Henry’s shoes, navigating the prince’s struggles with authenticity and grace. Galitzine delicately balances Henry’s inner turmoil in such a beautiful and also heartbreaking way. His ability to convey the prince’s journey, especially in the face of royal expectations and the fears he has in showing the world who he is truly flawless. He is everything we could have hoped for in our Henry.

Together, Perez and Galitzine are a revelation on their own giving everything I hoped for and more in bringing these two characters who I hold so close to my heart to life in a way that honors the characters we fell in love with when first reading the book. Their chemistry is the stuff of romance legends. Words can honestly not describe how brilliant Perez and Galitzine are in this movie.

Of course, they’re also surrounded by an amazing ensemble cast. Sarah Shahi, Rachel Hilson, and Uma Thurman are all scene-stealers in their own rights bringing their incredible talents to a story that celebrates diversity, love, and the challenges of public life. And yes, I will admit that there were definitely some members of the book’s ensemble who I wish we could have seen in the movie, but the exclusion of certain characters is a regrettable necessity.

Though the absence of these characters leads to a few missed opportunities and some changes to the narrative, it doesn’t dampen the importance of the representation this movie brings to the forefront. Red, White and Royal Blue is a beacon of LGBTQ+ romance, showcasing a relationship that defies boundaries and showcases the power of love. The world needs stories like this, and the way the film positively celebrates these themes is everything.

If I had one wish, it’s that Amazon would have adapted Red, White and Royal Blue as a limited series. This could have allowed for even more depth and exploration of plotlines that, unfortunately, felt rushed due to the constraints of a movie runtime. It also could have allowed for certain characters who weren’t able to make the cut to appear in some capacity as the story was fleshed out across six to eight episodes. And yes, I admit that part of this desire also comes from simply wanting more time with Alex and Henry. However, this movie’s brilliance is undeniable.

Okay, brief tangent over. Back to the movie.

RWRB movie review (spoiler free)

Red, White and Royal Blue isn’t just a movie; it’s a light of hope for greater representation in the romance genre. The LGBTQ+ romance at its heart challenges conventions and shatters boundaries, reminding us that love stories come in all forms. The movie’s unapologetic embrace of Alex and Henry’s love story is both refreshing and important. In a genre often dominated by conventional norms, this film boldly declares that love knows no boundaries and that every love story deserves to be celebrated.

While I was hesitant about the movie’s ability to capture the amazing love story told within the pages of Casey McQuiston’s novel, Red, White and Royal Blue not only lived up to my expectations but soared beyond them. My initial fears were quickly dispelled, leaving me with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction and gratitude for all those responsible for making this movie a reality.

Taylor Zakhar Perez and Nicholas Galitzine managed to capture the essence of these two characters who had nestled deep within my heart. The duo masterfully brings Henry and Alex’s chemistry to life, creating a slow-burning yet intense connection that mirrors the complexity of their characters’ relationship in the novel. Every lingering glance, tender touch shared, and sweet moment shared between the pair only managed to make me fall further in love with First Prince!

While the absence of certain characters and plotlines left a brief sense of missed opportunities, the film’s bold celebration of LGBTQ+ romance remains its crowning achievement. 

In a summer full of blockbuster hits, Red, White and Royal Blue is a must-see movie that demands your attention. It isn’t just the must-see movie of the summer, it’s a landmark moment in cinema that deserves a special place in your heart and is one of the best movies of 2023.

History, huh? Amazon absolutely made some.

August 11, 2023. Red, White and Royal Blue will be streaming on Prime Video, and the whole world watched, and history remembered. At least that’s the narrative that I’ll be manifesting because to me Red, White and Royal Blue is the greatest romantic movie of the decade and has cemented its place as one of the greatest romcoms to ever grace our screens!