Red, White & Royal Blue

"I can love you, and want you, and still not want that life."

I am glad I read the book before watching this movie. I think I liked this movie a lot in particular because I have read the book and knew what the characters were thinking in the moment. The movies go more over Henry's side of things versus in the book that mainly follows Alex.

I do wish this was a series rather than a 2-hour movie. I feel like we've barely scratched the surface on the characters and so many are missing. June, Luna, the Queen of England! And so many backstories were missed such as Bea's. The reveal of things felt more "Hey, so this happened." With the first kiss, Alex realizing he was bisexual, the first time Alex and Henry made love and the significance of it, the moment they were exposed, the moment they found each other again despite being fearful.

Henry's fear of his family didn't feel as grand in the movie. He more so told his grandfather how things would be and what he wants for himself, and yes, it is a big character difference that shows him standing up for himself, but it felt more meaningful when his mother finally took his side despite how much they cared for the king/queen's opinion.

Despite all of the differences and knowing how good this adaptation could have been, I am not mad at it. Nicholas and Taylor did a great job bringing Alex and Henry to life, and I honestly couldn't picture other actors to do it. And who could be upset at country Uma Thurman?

This movie made me laugh and enjoy the heartfelt moments. Even while comparing the two pieces, I am grateful to have read the book and watched the film to appreciate them both in their entireties. I can't wait for the second book and the next film 🩷