Name: The Royal Treatment
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Released: 2022-01-20T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Laura Marano, Mena Massoud, Chelsie Preston Crayford, Grace Bentley-Tsibuah, Cameron Rhodes

Isabella “Izzy” stands in her salon, a New York City haven of bold colors and even bolder personalities, addressing her team with the conviction of a motivational speaker. Meanwhile, across an ocean, Prince Thomas sits alone on his throne, scrolling through his phone with the enthusiasm of someone waiting for a dentist appointment. This opening juxtaposition—one woman empowered in her small business, one man trapped in his royal duty—sets up The Royal Treatment‘s central conflict: authenticity versus expectation.

Rick Jacobson’s 2022 Netflix rom-com follows Izzy (Laura Marano), a hairstylist who runs her salon with the same fiery confidence she brings to every conversation. When her team lands the gig of a lifetime—styling hair for an upcoming royal wedding—Izzy finds herself face-to-face with Prince Thomas (Mena Massoud), who’s about to marry someone he doesn’t love, all in the name of duty. Written by Holly Hester, the film is a classic rom-com framework: the fish-out-of-water story, the reluctant royal, and the strong-willed woman who challenges his worldview.

Where The Royal Treatment shines is in its lead performances. Marano, known for her work on Disney Channel’s Austin & Ally, brings a refreshing blend of sarcasm and sincerity to Izzy. She’s not just the typical rom-com love interest; she’s a business owner with real stakes, and Marano makes her relatable without sacrificing her strength. Massoud, fresh off his breakout role in Aladdin, delivers a charmingly awkward Prince Thomas. Their chemistry is the film’s strongest asset—a scene where they debate love over coffee feels effortlessly natural, thanks to their playful banter.

The supporting cast adds depth and humor. Chelsie Preston Crayford as Destiny, Izzy’s best friend and salon colleague, steals every scene she’s in with her wit and warmth. Grace Bentley-Tsibuah as Lola and Cameron Rhodes as Walter provide additional comedic relief, grounding the film in a sense of camaraderie that makes the salon feel like a real workplace.

However, the script stumbles in its pacing and structure. The first act spends too much time establishing Izzy’s world, slowing down what should be a brisk rom-com. The royal wedding subplot feels underdeveloped; we never fully grasp why Prince Thomas’s impending nuptials are such a big deal, emotionally speaking. Jacobson’s direction is competent but uninspired. The cinematography leans too heavily on soft focus and sweeping shots of castles, prioritizing aesthetics over narrative tension. A montage of Izzy giving Prince Thomas makeovers while they debate love and duty is one of the film’s highlights, but it’s undermined by a lack of stakes—we never feel like their romance is in jeopardy.

The film’s themes—self-worth, courage, following one’s heart—are well-intentioned but delivered with heavy-handed dialogue. A late-stage monologue about love and duty feels clunky rather than poignant, undercutting the emotional payoff. The romance, while charming, lacks the electric tension of great rom-coms like Crazy Rich Asians or To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Those films balance humor with real emotional stakes; The Royal Treatment never quite finds that equilibrium.

Comparisons to other Netflix rom-coms are inevitable. The Royal Treatment shares DNA with films like The Kissing Booth and Set It Up, but it lacks the self-awareness and wit that make those movies stand out. Where The Kissing Booth embraces its absurdity, The Royal Treatment takes itself too seriously, resulting in moments that feel awkward rather than endearing.

That said, the film isn’t without its charms. The salon setting is a refreshing change from the usual rom-com backdrops, and Izzy’s team feels like a found family. The chemistry between Marano and Massoud is genuine, and their individual performances elevate the material. If you’re in the mood for a light, predictable romance with some laughs along the way, The Royal Treatment delivers.

But if you’re looking for something with more depth or originality, you’ll likely find this film forgettable.