By Maria Papagiannopoulou,
Royalty and romance stories have been recent topics of interest on Netflix. A great example that combines these two things is The Royal Treatment, starring Laura Marano from The Perfect Date (2019) and Mena Massoud from Aladdin (2019). The new romantic comedy Netflix film pairs a hairstylist and a royal prince.
The Royal Treatment is a project that brought together two of the best creators in the industry. The film’s director is Rick Jacobson, whom we know from Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001), Knightfall (2017-2019), Ash vs Evil Dead (2015-2018), Spartacus (2010-2013), and Baywatch Nights (1997), and the writer is Holly Hester, whom we know for Last Man Standing (2017), Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1997-1998), and American Dad (2005).
The Royal Treatment follows Isabella and Prince Thomas. While Thomas governs his own nation, Lavania, Isabella manages her own salon. When they first meet, Thomas is impressed by Isabella’s candor and chooses to have her serve as the main wedding hairdresser. As the wedding planning gets underway, Thomas and Isabella get closer and understand that following their hearts is necessary to take charge of their own destiny.
The Princess Diaries (2001) provided a bit cheesy, warm, and cozy vibe that has not been matched in a while, but The Royal Treatment comes near. Given the recent trend of corny, chemistry-free romances dominating our streaming platforms and networks, I will admit that I had my doubts. Fortunately, because of two endearing lead performances from Laura Marano and Mena Massoud, as well as a fantastic ensemble of supporting characters, The Royal Treatment is a little less cheesy and a little more sincere. The Royal Treatment consistently confounds expectations by eschewing stale clichés like cattiness between women (such a pleasant changeup!), paying homage to movies like Pretty Woman (1990) and other works in its own genre like The Princess Diaries, and delivering unexpected twists at every turn.
The Royal Treatment is successful because it has the same sense of place as The Princess Diaries, is set in a fictional nation without accents, has a likable cast of royal servants, and is centered on a strong female lead who will not let anything dim her sparkle.
Even though we have seen the spoiled wealthy kid learn about the simpler things from a girl from the wrong side of the tracks quite a few times before, the decision to have the prince undergo a makeover of sorts is also refreshing.
We are given a relationship we can genuinely pull for because to the end Massoud’s heart-melting smile, rapidly demonstrates that the two are a match made in rom-com heaven.
The Royal Treatment offers a storyline that feels new and sincere, with a happy conclusion and the kind of joyful diversion we could need more of these days, as other recent attempts at fairytale reversals frequently fall short of being as progressive as they promise.
It does not feel forced since there is precisely the proper combination of romantic bumbling and earnest “take control of your own life” material. The genuine chemistry between Marano and Massoud makes the clichés and more embarrassing scenes, which are aggravating, actually rather entertaining. It will not change people’s minds or revolutionize the genre, but it does what one would expect it to do and offers an enjoyable hour and a half of sweet escape.
The Royal Treatment is a rom-com with authentic romance and sincere comedic moments that do not provide any surprises but are nonetheless a lot of fun.
References
- The Royal Treatment Review, loudandclearreaviews.com, Available here
- The Royal Treatment, netflix.com, Available here
