Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)
Taylor Zakhar Perez and Nicholas Galitzine star in out director/co-writer Matthew López’s 2023 adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s bestselling 2019 novel “Red, White & Royal Blue.” Today’s post was selected/written by QCA guest writer João Delfim (@circus_of_my_mind on Instagram).
RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE
2023. USA.
Director: Matthew López
Screenplay: Matthew López & Ted Malawer
Based on: “Red, White & Royal Blue” (2019) by Casey McQuiston
Starring: Taylor Zakhar Perez, Nicholas Galitzine, Rachel Hilson, Uma Thurman, Clifton Collins Jr., Stephen Fry, Sarah Shahi, Aneesh Sheth & Juan Castano
Bold and endearing, Matthew López’s directorial debut RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE — released one year ago to Prime Video — is a much-appreciated, unapologetically queer romcom. Depicting a blossoming love affair between the son of the President of the United States and a British Prince, the feature portrays an amusing and tender gay romance, while keeping a slight distance from the usual stereotypes known to the genre. Nicholas Galitzine and Taylor Zakhar Perez give touching performances that, while not groundbreaking, truly warm the viewer’s heart.
Though the plot can seem cheesy at times, López’s direction proves able to surmount the genre clichés, treating its well-written characters and charismatic leads with intelligence and respect. At times as horny as it is romantic, Henry and Alex’s relationship feels organic and relatable, leaving me — and evidently a lot of other viewers — with sparkles in our eyes. Such relatability is even more empowered by the upfront unlikeliness of the whole plot, making for an interesting combination of dreamy and engaging.
In a context where mainstream cinema leans heavily on retelling well-known stories — from Disney’s live-action madness to the never-ending Marvel sequel mania — Matthew López’s perspective feels like a breath of fresh air. That alone is a reason to celebrate this movie, which has brought together so many members of the LGBTQ+ community, both online and in person. On top of that, the prospect of a confirmed sequel is utterly exciting for those of us that needed the peacefulness of being able to watch a light-toned, uplifting, queer love story unfold on our home screens.
RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE is streaming on Prime Video.
