In the age of evolving cinematic narratives, Amazon Prime Video’s latest release, “Red, White & Royal Blue,” has ignited discussions surrounding LGBTQ intimacy. The film’s exploration of same-sex relationships has inadvertently startled some viewers who are being introduced to the idea of gay men engaging in face-to-face sexual encounters for the first time. Adapted from the popular gay YA romantic-comedy novel penned by Casey McQuiston, the film revolves around the intriguing liaison between Alex Claremont-Diaz, the son of the US president (Taylor Zakhar Perez), and British Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine). What commences as a rivalry between the two protagonists swiftly transforms into a poignant romance when diplomatic exigencies necessitate them to feign camaraderie.
While “Red, White & Royal Blue” has garnered diverse reviews, a particular scene has gained viral prominence. The film’s pivotal missionary sex scene has prompted conversation among its audience, especially among the book’s straight female fans, some of whom have expressed a degree of befuddlement. Even amidst the inclusion of the tender gay sex scene, the film has sparked discourse over its US R-rating. Director Matthew López candidly shared his surprise at the rating, reflecting, “I do question whether if it had been a man and a woman, we’d [have] still gotten an R rating.”
López’s sentiment extends to the broader context of film censorship, highlighting the apparent preference for violence over sexuality by regulatory bodies. He articulates that a scene of violence might have earned a less restrictive rating, whereas the portrayal of consensual same-sex intimacy led to the R-rating. López aspired for a PG-13 rating without compromising the storytelling’s authenticity, aiming to make the film accessible while preserving his creative vision. As “Red, White & Royal Blue” streams on Prime Video in Australia, it becomes a reminder of the ongoing journey toward genuine representation and the nuanced exploration of LGBTQ narratives within the cinematic realm.