The Royal Treatment (2022)
Story overview
The Royal Treatment is a 2022 romantic comedy about Isabella, a spirited salon owner, and Prince Thomas, who is preparing for a duty-bound royal marriage. When Isabella and her stylist friends get hired for the royal wedding, she and the prince unexpectedly connect, challenging their plans and learning to prioritize personal happiness over societal expectations. This lighthearted film explores themes of self-determination, class differences, and following one's heart.
Parent Guide
A wholesome romantic comedy suitable for most families, with positive messages about authenticity and personal choice. The TV-PG rating reflects its family-friendly nature with no significant content concerns.
Content breakdown
No violence, threats, or perilous situations. The conflict is entirely emotional and social.
Nothing scary or disturbing. The tone remains consistently light and upbeat throughout.
No profanity or strong language. Dialogue is polite and appropriate for all ages.
Very mild romantic content limited to brief kisses, hand-holding, and romantic dialogue. No sexual situations, innuendo, or nudity.
No depiction of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco use. Social scenes show characters drinking non-alcoholic beverages at events.
Mild emotional moments related to relationship decisions and family expectations, but nothing intense or distressing. The resolution is happy and uplifting.
Parent tips
This film is family-friendly with minimal concerning content. The romance is sweet and chaste, focusing on emotional connection rather than physical intimacy. There's no violence, strong language, or substance use. The main themes of duty versus personal fulfillment and class differences provide good discussion opportunities for older children. The film's positive messages about honesty, friendship, and being true to oneself make it appropriate for most families.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- Which character did you like best and why?
- What was your favorite part of the movie?
- How were the characters kind to each other?
- Why was Prince Thomas going to marry someone he didn't love?
- How did Isabella help Prince Thomas see things differently?
- What does it mean to 'follow your heart'?
- What responsibilities do you think Prince Thomas had to his country?
- How did the movie show that people from different backgrounds can understand each other?
- What would you have done in Isabella's position when she discovered the truth?
- How does the film critique traditional royal obligations versus modern values?
- What realistic challenges might Isabella and Thomas face after the movie ends?
- How does the film handle themes of privilege and social mobility?
🎭 Story Kernel
Beneath its frothy romance, 'The Royal Treatment' is a surprisingly sharp critique of performative aristocracy and the commodification of personal identity. The central tension isn't just between Izzy and Prince Thomas, but between duty as a hollow tradition versus duty as authentic service. Izzy's salon isn't just her job—it's her community hub, a contrast to Thomas's palace which functions as a gilded cage for public relations. The movie argues that true leadership and love require dismantling the stage, not just finding a better actor for the role. The climax isn't the wedding, but Izzy's refusal to be absorbed into the royal brand without retaining her agency.
🎬 Visual Aesthetics
The film employs a deliberate visual dichotomy: Lavinia is framed in cool, sterile blues and grays within the palace's vast, empty spaces, emphasizing her isolation and the kingdom's emotional chill. In contrast, Izzy's world in New York bursts with warm golds and reds, with tighter, handheld shots that create intimacy and chaotic energy. Key symbolism lies in hair and touch—Izzy's profession is one of physical connection and transformation, directly opposing the royal family's stiff, untouchable public persona. The camera often lingers on Thomas observing Izzy's genuine interactions, visually charting his awakening to a life beyond protocol.
🔍 Details & Easter Eggs
💡 Behind the Scenes
The film was shot in New Zealand, standing in for both New York and the fictional kingdom of Lavania. Lead actress Laura Marano performed many of her own hairstyling techniques seen on screen. Director Rick Jacobson noted in interviews that the production design for Lavania's palace was intentionally meant to feel like a luxurious hotel or corporate headquarters, to subtly reinforce the theme of monarchy as a business brand.
Where to watch
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- Netflix
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Trailer
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