I love this movie. Seriously. I LOVE this movie. Is it the best movie ever made? No. Although I would argue that Red, White, and Royal Blue is one of the best film adaptations of a novel that I’ve ever seen. But that’s not why I love this movie. I love this movie because I really, really, really wish that the world of this film was the world we lived in. A world where the son of the US president can fall in love with a prince of England. Where the political leaders of countries are women, and their genders in relation to their positions are mostly unremarked on. Where trans women of colour can tell stories separate from their gender identities. And most importantly, where I can watch an adorable and cliched romantic comedy with two gorgeous leads with smoking chemistry who just so happen to both be men. I really, really, really want to live in a world like that.
Of course, we don’t live in that world. Not by a long shot. And I should note that Red, White, and Royal Blue doesn’t exist in a queer utopia where discrimination is non-existent. The relationship between Alex and Henry does cause a scandal, and the film does touch on a lot of very serious issues. But it also does so in a way that puts love at the forefront, and shows how being your authentic self actually does have the power to change the world for the better. That’s the world I want to live in, and I’m hopeful that we’re making progress in that direction. The very fact that this movie can exist without causing any controversy (as far as I’m aware) is proof enough of that. Hopefully there are many more fluffy rom coms like this one on the way. I want to watch them all.
One last note. Sarah Shahi is a Goddess and I will not hear any differently.
Suggestions for artists I should check out? Please contact me with your ideas. I hope you enjoyed your daily helping of art!
