The opening scene of “Royalteen” (2022), directed by Per-Olav Sørensen, plunges us into a high-school party where Lena (Ines Asserson) is caught in a compromising position—a moment that immediately establishes the film’s tone: messy, unfiltered, and far from the polished fairy-tale romances we’re accustomed to. This isn’t a story about princesses waiting for their princes; it’s about real people navigating love, secrets, and the digital age.

Based on the young adult series “Royalteen” by Randi Fuglehaug and Anne Gunn H, the film follows Lena as she struggles to keep her scandal-ridden past from derailing her budding romance with Prince Kalle (Mathias Storhøi). The premise is intriguing, blending elements of royal drama with the raw, unvarnished reality of teenage life. Sørensen’s direction is largely effective in grounding these fantastical elements in a relatable context. He avoids the pitfalls of overly stylized storytelling, opting instead for a naturalistic approach that makes the characters feel authentic.

Ines Asserson delivers a standout performance as Lena, bringing a mix of vulnerability and strength to the role. Her portrayal of Lena’s internal conflict—caught between her desire for a normal life and the weight of her past—is nuanced and compelling. Mathias Storhøi is equally impressive as Prince Kalle, capturing the prince’s charm and his struggle to balance duty with personal happiness. The chemistry between Asserson and Storhøi is palpable, making their romance the emotional core of the film.

The supporting cast also contributes significantly to the film’s success. Veslemøy Mørkrid as Lena’s mother brings a layer of depth to her role, portraying a parent who is both concerned and supportive. Elli Rhiannon Müller Osborne as Margrethe adds a touch of intrigue, while Sunniva Lind Høverstad as Renate provides moments of levity. The ensemble cast works well together, creating a believable and engaging world.

The film’s exploration of themes like forgiveness, redemption, and the pressures of modern celebrity is handled with sensitivity. “Royalteen” delves into the complexities of living in an age where one’s past can be forever documented and shared online. This theme is particularly relevant today, making the film resonate with its target audience of young adults.

However, “Royalteen” is not without its flaws. The pacing and structural choices are among the film’s most significant weaknesses. The narrative often feels fragmented, jumping from one subplot to another without sufficient development. At times, it seems as though the film is trying to cram too much into its runtime, resulting in a sense of disjointedness. This is particularly evident in the film’s third act, where multiple plot threads converge in a somewhat rushed and unsatisfying manner.

Additionally, some of the film’s more dramatic moments feel overly melodramatic, undermining the otherwise grounded tone. For instance, a scene where Lena has a panic attack during a party feels more like a clichéd trope than a genuine emotional beat. The film also struggles with its tonal balance, oscillating between romantic comedy and serious drama without always finding a harmonious middle ground.

Despite these flaws, “Royalteen” offers enough compelling moments and strong performances to make it worth watching. It’s a film that takes risks, even if not all of them pay off. Sørensen’s direction is largely effective in creating an authentic and engaging world, and the performances by Asserson and Storhøi are standout highlights.

The film’s themes of forgiveness and redemption are particularly well-explored, making it a relevant and thought-provoking watch for its target audience. While the pacing and structural issues detract from the overall experience, “Royalteen” still manages to deliver a compelling story with genuine emotional resonance.

In terms of genre fit, “Royalteen” straddles the line between romance and drama effectively. It’s not a traditional fairy-tale romance, nor is it a straightforward coming-of-age drama. Instead, it blends elements of both genres to create a unique and engaging narrative. The film’s originality lies in its ability to ground fantastical elements in a relatable context, making it stand out from other films in the genre.

Ultimately, “Royalteen” is a film that will resonate most with young adults who can relate to its themes of love, secrets, and the pressures of modern life.