Once Upon a Prince

Once Upon a Prince is an endearing romantic drama from 2018, starring Megan Park, Jonathan Keltz, and Kayla Wallace. This charming movie is a classic tale of love blending blue-collar and royal worlds, perfect for fans of contemporary romance and subtly reflective of fairy tales.

Megan Park, known for her roles in heart-tugging romantic dramas, stars as Susanna Truitt, a young woman from the beautiful coastal city of St. Simon's, Georgia. She is a hardworking landscaper who has been nurturing a decade-long relationship with her high school sweetheart. Awaiting a proposal, she is instead met with a break-up, triggering a series of events that lead her life on an unexpected path. The movie then starts to unravel the whimsical transformation of Susanna's life, who by virtue of her grounded nature and sparkling personality, weaves herself into the fabric of the audiences' hearts.

In comes Jonathan Keltz, a Canadian actor popularly known for his portrayals of royal and aristocratic figures, playing Nathaniel, a prince incognito from the kingdom of Cambria, on a private visit to the United States. Visiting St. Simon's due to a minor car mishap, Nathaniel stumbles upon Susanna. Breaking free from his royal expectations momentarily, he embarks on a roller-coaster journey, experiencing the simplicity of a commoner's life and the charm and warmth of the small town. As the plot unfolds, Nathaniel seeks refuge from his royal duties while getting charmed by Susanna's down-to-earth character. The storyline tenderly explores their growing bond as they navigate through the treacherous waters of duty, class differences, public scrutiny, and their own conflicting emotions.

Keltz's portrayal of Prince Nathaniel is both charismatic and believable. He portrays the complexities of a man torn between duty and his heart remarkably well. His on-screen chemistry with Megan Park is undeniable and contributes to the film's central charm. The stark contrast of their worlds proves more of a magnet, bringing out the essence of their unusual love story.

The supporting cast also deserves worth-mentioning nods, with a standout performance from Kayla Wallace as Avery, Susanna’s vivacious and always supportive best friend, who brings warmth, humor, and a touch of realism into the mix. Her witty one-liners, progressive point of view, and enthusiasm truly make her a crowd favorite.

The movie frequently traverses between the scenic beauty of St. Simon's Georgia and the grandeur of the royal kingdom of Cambria, giving the audience a visual treat. Especially noteworthy are the scenes that capture the glorious architecture and splendor of the faux royal kingdom. The production beautifully showcases the stark contrast between Susanna's tangible, lower-middle-class life, and Nathaniel's grandiosity as a prince, thereby augmenting the dramatic tension integral to the narrative.

Directed by Alex Wright, Once Upon a Prince successfully creates the ambiance of a fairy tale, drawing the audiences into a riveting blend of romance, sacrifice, and royalty, but also ensuring to stay relevant and relatable in today's time. The beautiful soundtrack sets the perfect tone for the film, enhancing the joyous and heart-wrenching moments within the narrative.

However, beyond the romance and fairy tale allure, the film handles some thought-provoking topics like societal expectations, duty towards one's birthright, and standing up against conventions for love. It invites the viewers to question and reflect about one's duty towards their love and dreams amid pressure and societal norms.

Once Upon a Prince truly is a modern-day fairy tale, perfect for audiences who love old-school romance with a contemporary twist. In the end, through all its twists and moments of self-discovery for the characters, it is a film that warms hearts and leaves an impression of hope, love, and resilience.