Red, White, & Royal Blue Film Review

Red, White, and Royal Blue

When you are the son of the United States president, all eyes are on you. Alex

Claremont Diaz knows this first hand. When attending the royal wedding in London, he

makes the huge mistake of destroying a wedding cake. Caught in this crossfire is Prince

Henry who lives in the UK. Because of the incident, both have to be fake friends in order to

assuage the public’s hatred. They can’t stand each other, but what happens when their

curiosity spikes something deeper?

Positive Elements: Henry and Alex feel the pressure of politics breathing down their necks.

Alex wants to do more, while Henry has locked his heart away. Though their friendship

transforms into something more (see Sexual Content), they are open and honest with each

other. Alex rightfully demands an explanation after Henry ghosts him. Henry does stand up

to his grandfather and brother.

In a tear jerking scene, Henry tells Alex “I’m not trading one prison for another.” He

means the world of politics versus their relationship. Both hit rock bottom at times, but care

deeply for each other. They refuse to be shallow and wallow in small talk. Henry and Alex

risk everything to be together, and despite their insecurities, rise above the masses. Both

visit a hospital in London, bringing smiles to the children. Henry apologizes to Alex about a

mistake he made years ago. Alex and his mom have squabbles, but love each other.

Spiritual Content: None.

Sexual Content: Despite the R rating, RWARB doesn’t push the envelope here.

Nothing critical is seen, but female characters wear revealing outfits. Characters talk about

crushes, hookups, dating, condoms, etc.. Alex mentions he made out with two guys in the

past, one of them being in a hot tub. Some girls kiss and leer at him sensually.

Alex has eyes for Henry though, despite trying to play it cool. Both kiss and have sex

several times (mostly offscreen). One love scene lasts for some time, showing them

caressing and feeling each other (several quick shots of bare skin are shown here, both are

seen from the waist up). We see Alex’s bare back twice. Both men are seen shirtless. Henry

is seen with different girls in magazines. Some characters banter about men’s physique.

(Spoiler Warning): Zahara and Saan (Henry’s bodyguard) have a secret romantic

relationship.

Violence: Alex and Henry knock themselves into a table where a tall wedding cake is

standing. It topples onto them in a somewhat quick fashion. Both are shoved into a janitor’s

closet when fireworks pop off. Zahara threatens to “brexit” Henry’s head from his body if

any reporters see him leaving the hotel. Alex flippantly suggests setting himself on fire.

Language: Four or five f-words, several misuses of God’s name, and multiple s-words

round the tally here. There are also some uses of d–n, a–, pr–k, d–k, and h—. Christ’s name

is spoken twice. A few songs in the film have profanity. God’s name is paired with d–n at

least four times.

Drugs/Alcohol: Several event and party scenes have characters drinking (sometimes

to excess). Alex gets drunk at the royal wedding. There are champagne glasses, and

martini’s seen too. Characters have beer as well. Two characters smoke cigarettes out of

the public eye.

Other Negative Elements: Politics play a role here and some views might rub viewers

the wrong way. Alex and Henry keep their relationship a secret for a good chunk of the film.

(Spoiler Warning): A jealous reporter leaks Henry and Alex’s emails to the entire world,

putting their privacy at risk. Alex and Henry initially talk smack about each other.

Conclusion: Based on the best-selling novel by Casey McQuiston, Red, White, and

Royal Blue is a funny enemies-to-lovers story that manages to balance the politics and love

story. The dialogue is sharp, chemistry is off the charts, and performances are immaculate.

The biggest glaring issue for Christian families is the gay romance on display. Our two

leads waste no time hooking up, and the aforementioned love scene is a bit much. As

mentioned, politics is a subplot, and while it's not in-your-face like similar films, the

environment could leave viewers a bit on edge. Not to mention there's a fair bit of foul

language, and some drunken behavior. These concerns might be a deal breaker for

families who choose to watch this Prime Video original.

Red, White, and Royal Blue isn't without merit though. Unlike most comedies centered

on “LGBTQ” couples, the dialogue remains mostly free from raunchy jokes. Alex and Henry

have an open relationship, despite the struggles they face. Alex has a healthy relationship

with his mother. There are some hilarious moments paced at the right time, too.

Sure, the film is not for everyone. But those who decide to stream this flick will

probably need to discuss the themes presented here. Despite the obvious missteps, Red,

White, and Royal Blue is a delightful romantic comedy.