Young Royals

Young Royals is a compelling Swedish teenage drama that hit Netflix in 2021. The captivating original series explores adolescent challenges with an intriguing layer of aristocracy and tradition, set against the backdrop of the Swedish monarchy. The series flawlessly combines elements of a coming-of-age story with the complexities of power, privilege, and familial responsibilities. With a ground-breaking narrative, it attempts to portray the ravages of young love, rebellion, and the search for self-identity, all under an oppressive royal lifestyle.

The narrative centers around a young prince, Wilhelm, who is sent to a prestigious boarding school known as Hillerska after a well-publicized scandal. The school serves as a keystone in shaping and preparing young members of high society, particularly those of royal lineage, for their future roles. This backdrop serves as an unconventional setting for a teenage drama, adding an added layer of curiosity and interest. The strongly hierarchical world of the school introduces us to a range of characters from different social classes, highlighting various aspects of privilege, prejudice, and power dynamics that are as insightful as they are captivating.

When thrust into these new surroundings, the protagonist, Prince Wilhelm, struggles with the huge weight of expectations and the rigorous discipline of the school. Yet, his character shines as he grapples with these challenges, navigating his teenage years and the burden of being a future king. The series gives us a genuine and realistic glimpse into his personal journey as he learns to balance his personal desires and ambitions with the obligations of his noble birth.

However, the story does not stay confined within the gilded walls of royalty or the school. It reaches out to the realm of personal associations and relationships. It is in these relational dynamics that Young Royals captures the hearts of viewers. The series handles the complexities of adolescent relationships in a mature and compassionate manner, taking great care to portray the confusion and emotional turmoil experienced by teens trying to figure out who they are in a world that often demands they be something else.

Aside from the rollercoaster of emotional and relational journeys, the series also explores the deep-seated traditional values associated with monarchy, and whether they stand true in the face of modern values and individual choices. This drama does not shy away from controversial topics that can be both compelling and divisive. By doing so, it elevates the conversation and adds more depth to the story.

The show is characterized by its excellent characterization and its ability to depict the lives of these characters with authenticity and a raw sense of realism. The supporting characters too, rather than being mere props in the story, contribute significantly towards its overall narrative. Each character is thoroughly developed with distinct personal storylines that coalesce beautifully, which makes the interpersonal relationships of the characters feel deeply authentic and engaging.

Visually, the series is a treat with its cinematic quality production. The stunning cinematography captures both the lavish grandeur of royal life and the beautiful landscapes surrounding Hillerska, which serves to bolster the narrative's theatrical feel.

In terms of performances, the cast of Young Royals is remarkable. Each actor excels in bringing depth to their respective roles and presents a wonderful portrayal of their characters, making the audience inextricably invested in their stories.

In summary, Young Royals is more than just another teenage drama on Netflix. It's an innovative, thought-provoking series that offers a fresh perspective on traditional themes of self-discovery, relationships, and the pressures of growing up. It explores the intersection of personal freedom and the confines of duty within the context of modern royalty. Infused with lessons of acceptance, contextuality, and the complexity of emotions, Young Royals successfully manages to go beyond the expected realms of the genre, creating a captivating experience for the viewers.