Young Royals – A reflection

I think this is a first for Roineland. It’s almost a review.

I have seen and appreciated the Swedish series Young Royals with great interest. Let me share some personal thoughts on this drama series.

Young Royals is a Netflix show that explores life at a prestigious boarding school in Sweden. Here, we meet Prince Wilhelm, portrayed by the talented Edvin Ryding, who arrives at the school, after a scandalous incident, and faces the challenges that come with his royal heritage, combined with falling in love with a working class boy. The series revolves around self-exploration, love, friendship, and intrigue among the students.

Here are some of my reflections:

1. Character Development: The series successfully creates complex characters who evolve over time. Wilhelm is not just a prince but also a young man struggling with his own emotions and expectations. Other characters, like August and Simon, are equally engaging.
   • Wilhelm: As the crown prince, Wilhelm faces immense pressure to conform to royal expectations. However, beneath his regal facade, we witness vulnerability and inner conflict, not to mention debilitating angst. His struggle with identity, love, and duty is palpable. Edvin Rydings portrayal captures this complexity beautifully.
   • August: Wilhelms cousin, August, is a standout character. His rebellious spirit and genuine care for Wilhelm (or more the royal family) create a compelling dynamic. His journey from loyalty to villain to defiance to royalty is intriguing. Malte Gårdinger really acts his ass off here.
   • Simon: Simons character arc is poignant. His relationship with Wilhelm is both tender and tumultuous. Their love story defies societal norms, and their chemistry is pure magic. I’ve seen Omar Rudberg grow up as a singer, dancer, and all-around stage entertainer. As this is his acting debut, he makes an impressive impact.
   • Felice: Initially depicted as an insecure, yet privileged and superficial high school elite, Felice undergoes a significant transformation throughout the series. Her personal struggles and interactions with diverse characters reveal her vulnerabilities, leading to introspection and growth. As she grapples with her values versus societal expectations, Felice evolves into a more empathetic and complex individual. By the series end, her character development illustrates a journey from superficiality to genuine self-discovery and change. Nikita Uggla was the Perfect choice for this role.
   • Sara: Simons sister. Starts as a grounded and somewhat reserved character, contrasting the more privileged students at her school. Throughout the series, she faces challenges that test her morals and values, pushing her to make difficult decisions. Ultimately, Sara emerges as a more assertive and insightful individual, illustrating her journey from passivity to active engagement with her environment and beliefs. Production made a very good choice in casting Frida Argento for this character.
2. LGBTQ Representation: I’m pleased that the series dares to explore LGBTQ themes in communities that usually lack such representation. In this case, royalty. Wilhelm’s love story with Simon is heartwarming and authentic. It’s essential to see such narratives on screen.
   • The series boldly explores LGBTQ themes. Wilhelm’s sexuality is central to the plot, and his connection with Simon is authentic. Their struggles—balancing secrecy, societal expectations, and personal desires—are relatable to many.
   • The show portrays LGBTQ characters not as stereotypes but as multifaceted individuals. It challenges norms and fosters empathy.
3. Intrigue and Suspense: Young Royals balances love stories with royal intrigue and family drama. There’s always something to keep the viewer engaged.
   • The regal intrigue adds depth. The struggles within the royal family, the clash between tradition and modernity, and the secrets lurking in the palace corridors keep viewers engaged.
   • Each episode leaves us craving answers. We know who leaked the scandalous sex tape, but what will the consequences be? What’s the truth behind the queens reasoning? The suspense keeps us hooked.
4. Visual Aesthetics: The show is beautifully filmed, with picturesque landscapes and elegant costumes. It provides a contemporary, authentic-feeling sense of the royal world.
   • The cinematography captures the grandeur of the Swedish landscape—the lush forests, serene lakes, and majestic architecture. It’s a visual treat. And I say this as a Swede.
   • The costumes blend contemporary style with modern regal elegance. The masquerade ball is just *chefs kiss*.
5. Themes and Realism:
   • Beyond romance and intrigue, Young Royals tackles universal themes: self-discovery, friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. It portrays teenage struggles authentically.
   • The series doesn’t shy away from depicting mental health challenges. Wilhelm’s anxiety and Simon’s grief are sensitively portrayed. Saras struggle around her ADHD is another good dive into what many young people have to face.
6. Critiques and Room for Improvement:
   • Some plotlines feel rushed or underdeveloped. For instance, the resolution of the sex tape leak subplot could have been more satisfying. As we learn that the queen knows who did it, it must be known to the authorities and why they don’t act, is beyond me.
   • The pacing occasionally falters, especially in Season 3. Certain character decisions seem abrupt.
   • While the show embraces realism, it occasionally falls into melodrama.

Conclusion: Despite some inconsistencies and melodramatic moments, Young Royals is a touching series. It offers a fresh and realistic view of teenage life while exploring love and identity. Young Royals is more than a teen drama—it’s a nuanced exploration of identity, love, and responsibility. As a middle-aged gay man, I appreciate its authenticity and representation. I eagerly await Season 4, which will never come, as the production team has said earlier that Young Royals would only get three seasons. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a movie coming in a couple of years, though.