The buzz surrounding Prime Video’s latest rom-com, “Red, White & Royal Blue,” has left audiences a tad surprised with its “R” rating. Most assume an R-rated rom-com must be heavily peppered with drama, such as “Punch-Drunk Love,” or leaning into the raunchy side, akin to “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.” But historical hits like “When Harry Met Sally” remind us that not all rom-coms fit this mold. Here’s a deep dive into the rating of this adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s best-selling novel.
Romance in the Political and Royal Limelight
In the heart of this delightful story, Alex Claremont-Diaz, the progeny of the first female U.S. president, consistently clashes with Prince Henry of the British monarchy. Their love arc transitions from adversaries to a secret romantic entanglement. As they explore this connection, the plot takes on a more heartwarming turn rather than a sultry one, leading many to ponder: Why the R rating?
Unveiling the Rating Mystery
While “Red, White & Royal Blue” successfully steers clear of the overdone sentimentality found in many romantic movies, its charm recalls legends of the genre like “Notting Hill” and “You’ve Got Mail.” But the R rating catches one off guard, considering the film’s mildly intense scenes and the occasional curse word, which don’t typically earmark a movie as R-rated.
Diving deeper, the film showcases several passionate scenes between Alex and Henry, from an intimate moment in a polo ground’s tack room to their first romantic encounter. However, the movie’s R rating might highlight a more significant issue in mainstream LGBTQ+ films – they often swing between being overly sanitized or heavily focused on physical intimacy. This disparity could reflect broader societal perspectives more than the film’s content itself.
Interestingly, if roles were reversed, with a heterosexual couple leading the narrative, the possibility of it being tagged beyond PG-13 seems unlikely. This sentiment was mirrored by the film’s director, Matthew Lopez, who challenged the Motion Picture Association of America’s (MPAA) rating decision. He critically pointed out the double standards, noting the industry’s inclination to overlook violent content while being excessively cautious with intimate scenes.
Staying True to the Source
Despite these controversies, “Red, White & Royal Blue” deserves applause for not diluting its content. The film’s portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships is genuine, offering an undistorted reflection of many queer people’s experiences. By faithfully adapting the book’s intimate scenes, director Matthew Lopez focuses on capturing the emotion rather than the act. As he shared with NBC, prioritizing close-ups of Alex and Henry’s faces rather than broader shots of their bodies emphasized the couple’s emotional bond. This approach lends the movie a more wholesome feel, making it feel closer to a PG-13 than an R.
Conclusion
“Red, White & Royal Blue” is a testament to evolving narratives in romantic films. While its R rating has sparked debates, the essence of the movie is more about authenticity and emotional connection than its scenes’ explicitness. The film challenges stereotypical perspectives and offers a fresh take on love, reminding audiences that love is universal, regardless of how it’s rated.
