Review of Red, White & Royal Blue (2023) by Csalvas — 19 Aug 2023

A very good movie based on a very good book by Casey McQuiston, with universal themes of love and prejudice. Love wins as does the movie. The two stars do an excellent job conveying the sensibilities of their characters: they do a very good job portraying the dislike-to-like-to-love relationship that grows. Their attraction to each other is portrayed in a believable way. Opposite’s do attract - the writers and actors portray the complicated characters very well and make it work.

At first it seems that Nicholas Galitzine’s character is the more complicated and will be the center of attention. But the attention shifts to Taylor Zakhar Perez and his very exuberant and lovable character. And then it equals out during the hospital scenes including the almost necessary ‘closet’ scene. Their obvious chemistry is what makes the romance real and heartwarming.

As a gay member of the audience, it was quite pleasing to see the romantic scenes handled with passion and without being overly gratuitous. The love making scene (and we do still call it that) is both sensuous and sensual. It is portrayed in a very adult and mature way. The close-ups of the two men's faces relay precisely what each has to give the other and the love that is developing - it is masterfully done. The only other time I have seen such a well done love-making scene was between Robert Redford and Meryl Streep in Out of Africa - very good company.

The smile that Henry gives, with Alex in bed next to him after the romp in the museum tells you everything about where this character is and where he is going. Boy meets boy and they fall in love - obstacles try to block their love, but in the end their love triumphs. I thank them for making a perfectly delightful and corny love story between two men for us to enjoy. Well done - everybody involved is to be congratulated.