Watch The Royal Treatment

"The Royal Treatment" is a delightful romantic comedy-drama released on Netflix in 2022 that combines the enchanting allure of fairy tale elements with the charming mundanities of contemporary life. Directed by Rick Jacobson and written by Holly Hester, it captures the hearts of viewers as it unfolds the story of an unlikely connection between two individuals from drastically different worlds.

At the center of this enchanting film is Isabella, a role brought to life by the effervescent Laura Marano. Isabella is the proud owner of a modest but warm-hearted and bustling New York hair salon. She is passionate and dedicated to her craft, treating her customers like family, and her salon serves not only as a place for hair transformations but also as a community hub where people from the neighborhood gather and share their lives.

Meanwhile, across the globe, there’s Prince Thomas, portrayed with charm by Mena Massoud, who is the heir to the throne of a made-up European kingdom named Lavania. Despite the privileges that come with being a royal, Prince Thomas feels trapped by the rigid expectations and ceremonial duties that his royal status entails. He is a man of responsibility, preparing himself to fulfill his duties as the future king but yearning for a taste of freedom and the opportunity to lead his kingdom with a fresh, compassionate perspective.

The plot thickens when Isabella's salon receives the unexpected request to style the hair of the bridal party for an upcoming royal wedding in Lavania, the very wedding where Prince Thomas is the groom-to-be. Accompanied by her lively and supportive salon staff, Isabella ventures into a world of opulence and tradition that feels galaxies away from her bustling New York life.

The magnetic attraction between Isabella and Prince Thomas sparks immediately when they meet. What begins as a professional relationship quickly blossoms into a deep and genuine connection, as they both recognize kindred spirits in one another. Isabella's free-spirited nature, boundless energy, and commitment to being true to oneself challenge Prince Thomas's conformity to royal protocol. At the same time, Thomas’ genuine concern for his people and his desire to make meaningful change in his kingdom resonates with Isabella's own community-oriented values.

Despite the initial spark, the story does not veer into a straightforward romance, as complications are bound to arise. The Ivy League-educated Prince is at the cusp of marrying a woman handpicked by the traditions of the kingdom. Meanwhile, Isabella is acutely aware of the disparities between their worlds – ones that present seemingly insurmountable barriers. Their growing friendship forces both to confront the realities of their positions and the futures that have been laid out before them, catapulting them into a journey of self-discovery and reflection on what truly matters in life.

As the narrative unfolds, the film weaves in a colorful tapestry of characters, from the cheeky and supportive salon staff to the uptight royal advisors, each bringing a unique flavor to the screen. Julie Edwards, who is part of the ensemble cast, contributes to the story's depth and the connection the audience feels to the characters' individual struggles and aspirations.

"The Royal Treatment" excels in its scenic and aesthetic depictions. The contrast between the vibrant and busy streets of New York and the serene, opulent halls of the Lavania royal palace provides a delightful backdrop for this transatlantic love story. Cinematography captures the essence of both worlds, juxtaposing Isabella's grassroots charm with the ornate detail reflective of the royal lifestyle. Alongside the visual feast, the movie’s soundtrack punctuates emotional beats, enhancing the storytelling with a mix of both upbeat and poignant tracks.

Though entrenched in a narrative structure familiar to royal romances and fairy tales, the movie brings a modern twist with its strong emphasis on individual agency and the importance of being authentic to oneself. It challenges the audience to consider the roles of destiny and personal choice. The film also touches on themes of duty versus desire, tradition versus modernity, and love against the backdrop of societal expectations.

"The Royal Treatment" is a feel-good movie that gives viewers the warmth and magic that one looks for in a Cinderella-esque story, while also maintaining a toe in the real world where actions have consequences and happiness is something to be actively sought after and fought for. With its charming performances, heartfelt narrative, and optimistic outlook on life's unexpected turns, it is a delightful addition to the romantic comedy genre that leaves you pondering the power of connection and the strength it takes to forge one's own path.

The Royal Treatment is a 2022 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2 and a MetaScore of 36.