Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)

Review written 5/9/26

Red, White & Royal Blue

I’ve been meaning to watch this ever since it came out (well, not like it’s been out for long), and it’s safe to say that this is one of my favorite queer films I’ve ever seen. It just misses out on my top ten, but my goodness I’m totally in love with it. Is it corny and goofy and cringey? Absolutely it is. But isn’t every good romcom? Absolutely. I can fully understand the criticisms with the story and dialogue, because let’s be honest, it’s always phenomenal. All the stuff with politics and elections can feel a bit out of place, but seeing as I love politics and elections, I was totally vibing with it. Honestly, this film could’ve been a solid 90 minutes and would’ve felt more put together that way. But I love it as it is, and wouldn’t change it. The dialogue is also ridiculously hilarious and expository. There were times where it was hard not to chuckle because of some eye-rolling line. But you know what? That’s what makes this so enjoyable. It makes your heart warm and heavy and you can just have fun with it. The two lead performances are absolutely some of the best you’ll ever see in any romcom ever, and you can quote me on that. Both Taylor and Nicholas completely carry the film, with off-the-charts chemistry, very expressive faces, sentimental line deliveries, and body language that blows your socks off (and not just your socks). I would absolutely love to see more of them together in the future, whether it be in a sequel or a separate project. The other performances were solid at best, and Uma Thurman’s accent needs to be obliterated from film history. I love her a lot, but respectfully, it was horrible and much, much, MUCH too distracting. But it’s fine, the film is still amazing in my eyes. Well, amazingly enjoyable. Overall, it's such a wonderful expression of stigmatized love that can go against culture and tradition, and I’m dying to read the book now. I would recommend this to all drama/romance/comedy fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go check it out now!