In Red, White & Royal Blue, the film adaptation of Casey McQuiston’s popular new adult bestseller, viewers are taken on a journey of unexpected love between two unlikely individuals. Alex Claremont-Diaz, the first son of the United States, and Prince Henry, Britain’s spare, find themselves entangled in a playful secret that slowly blossoms into a deep and intimate connection. The screenplay, written by Ted Malawer and Matthew López, who also served as director, expands on the themes of queer identity and intimacy, offering a fuller and more authentic portrayal of love and relationships.
The release of Red, White & Royal Blue comes at a time when queer romance films are gaining significant attention. In the past year, there have been notable releases like Fire Island, Bros, My Policeman, and Anything’s Possible, with anticipated titles like Bottoms, Joy Ride, and Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe on the horizon for 2023. These films not only depict queer identity and life but also explore the nuances of intimacy, a topic that has historically been taboo on U.S. screens. The increased representation of intimacy in mainstream movies marks a significant step towards inclusion and authenticity.
However, the portrayal of queer sex in films has sparked debate among LGBTQIA viewers. The expectations and stereotypes perpetuated by straight filmmakers have limited the diversity and authenticity of intimate moments between queer characters. Harry Styles, star of My Policeman, expressed his desire for more tenderness and connection in gay sex scenes, while Luke Macfarlane, star of Bros, defended the raunchiness, arguing that not all queer sex needs to be sentimental. This difference in opinions showcases the need for more diverse and nuanced representations of queer intimacy onscreen.
In Red, White & Royal Blue, director Matthew López, along with intimacy coordinator Robbie Taylor Hunt, crafted a dynamic narrative that explores the complex emotions and growing feelings between Alex and Henry. The film strikes a balance between wild and spirited moments and deep vulnerability, capturing the depth and authenticity of their relationship. The inclusion of an intimacy coordinator, a role that is still relatively new on sets, was instrumental in creating a safe and respectful space for the actors to explore these intimate scenes.
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Robbie Taylor Hunt, the intimacy coordinator for Red, White & Royal Blue, commends the actors for their professionalism and willingness to embrace the process. Both Taylor Zakhar Perez and Nicholas Galitzine approached the intimate scenes with respect and a sense of playfulness. While they had some prior experience with intimacy coordination, they were open to learning and ensuring that the portrayal of intimacy was done justice. Their commitment to the process and the characters ultimately contributed to the authenticity of the love story.
When approaching intimacy projects, Hunt draws from various resources, including the source material, to inform his understanding of the love story. Researching the cultural and historical context allows him to immerse himself in the world of the characters and ensure the portrayal is accurate. However, he also emphasizes the importance of collaboration with the director, as they have their own vision for how the intimacy should be depicted onscreen. This collaboration ensures a cohesive and authentic portrayal of intimacy.
Matthew López’s theater background greatly influenced his approach to directing Red, White & Royal Blue. He recognized the value of rehearsal time and utilized it effectively to build a solid foundation for the intimate moments in the film. For Hunt, who also comes from a theater background, this approach was beneficial, allowing him to introduce best practices and familiarize the actors with the language and process of intimacy coordination. The dedicated rehearsal time created a safe and collaborative environment, enabling the actors to give their best performances.
The film explores different facets of intimacy, from emotional connections to physical expressions of love. One notable example is the lake scene, which showcases the depth of the characters’ emotions and their vulnerability. As an intimacy coordinator, Hunt was involved in ensuring that all intimate moments, including kissing scenes, were executed respectfully and aligned with the director’s vision. The extensive rehearsal process laid a foundation for the actors to establish the dynamics of their characters and create authentic and compelling onscreen chemistry.
Red, White & Royal Blue breaks barriers by portraying queer intimacy in a nuanced and realistic manner. The film’s focus on love as a central theme allows for a more expansive portrayal of intimacy beyond just physical encounters. It highlights the importance of emotional connections and the complexity of relationships. By incorporating an intimacy coordinator and fostering a collaborative environment, the film sets a precedent for future productions to prioritize representation, authenticity, and respect in depicting queer intimacy onscreen.
The arrival of Red, White & Royal Blue, along with other recent and upcoming queer romance films, marks a significant step forward in the representation of queer identity and intimacy. These films challenge the traditional narrative and offer a more diverse and authentic portrayal of love and relationships. With the ongoing conversations around intimacy coordination and the potential for greater inclusion and representation in the post-SAG-AFTRA strike landscape, it is hopeful that future films will continue to push boundaries and showcase the richness and complexity of queer intimacy.
