What's also interesting is that every character in this show lives in a morally grey zone much like in real life. Every one of them did at least one objectively bad thing. And it's also refreshing that it eschews the need of a villain. What we see instead are characters being antagonistic against each other in certain respects.
i see this, at first i was really bothered by how the character of sara played out towards the end like i was so affected cause i didnt see it coming and was really trying so hard to make sense of it cause theyve successfully made as sympathise with her and frame her as this really honest humble innocent character but then the thing happened and so i felt really disassociated from how i perceived her and just instantly you would like have to see those past behaviours leading her to that moment as the opposite of how it registered the first time and it's so annoying but like good but like still annoying cause you see her in a way but the thing is it's actually so authentic that scene of her with august cause of how humanized her character was and fuck yes of course all of it is reasonable. they juat happen to be in that situation and it's very spontaneous and so it portrayed something so human of the character. im so rooting for her character arc/development for season two🧡🧡🧡
@@franzdevilla9939 Sara has Asperger's so her social interactions are inappropriate at times because of that. That's the whole reason they attend Hillerska and Simon wanted to sell booze because so Sara can have more social interactions with her classmates. Also, that's why Sara is so scared to leave Hillerska because she finally (probably for the first time in her life) has friends.
that's such an amazing observation. many shows and films feature characters that everyone loves or hates. however, as human beings, were are much more complex; we do both 'good' and 'bad' things. the show makes use of that in an excellent manner
The problem is when trying to explain this to religious people who use the holy texts to justify their homophobia. Because according to these people, it IS wrong to act on homosexual feelings.
@@EscargoTouChaud - that’s correct. I think it’s taken from a quote from the Bible where it is claimed that Jesus said that a man who lies with another man is an ‘abomination’. As far as the Roman Catholic Church is concerned, they consider gay sex as no different to having sex with an animal, in other words they class gay sex and bestiality within the same category.
One thing I loved was the miltilingual aspect of this. When Simon and his sister were having dinner in their home, they spoke in 1. Swedish 2. Spanish (?) and 3. English and I've never seen that portrayed on media in a domestic setting before depsite living in a similar language setting.
also, as a native spanish speaker, something that made me VERY happy was hearing a very natural and real pronunciation of spanish, i'm not sure if simon's actor spoke spanish before the show but his accent seems like i'd expect for someone with his cultural background (mother's side is hispanic, father's is swedish), also his mother's actress IS hispanic af and that's great casting
something random to add in to the convo bc i haven’t seen ANYONE talk abt it yet is august’s eating disorder or body dysmorphia or something that he has going on that i noticed w the aggressive working out and the body checks near the last episodes. idk i just feel like that didn’t get any attention when that was such a key little detail i caught onto
YES i really thought there was some sort of OCD going on too, he had an obsession for control, with his super organised room, his control of Felice and the body dysmorphia. He was obsessed with the rowing machine and the more out of control he felt, the more he seemed to exercise.
@@graceroberts8832 having a super organised room is not an ocd trait. But, I do agree that it could be the show’s misinformed way of trying to portray ocd. After all, ocd and body dysmorphia are very closely linked
@@aimeemcdonald1581 of course, OCD is much worse and much more complex than being tidy. I thought maybe it added to the control issues they were showing, i agree with you maybe it was their attempt to portray OCD because it seemed too purposeful to be insignificant.
Yes, it may contain a lot of teen drama tropes, but what matters is that they handled the tropes well. For example, August is the popular bully but his backstory was compelling, his conflict believable, the acting nuanced and successful at conveying inner turmoil and apprehension.
And the lives of teens or anyone are filled with actions and situations that would be considered tropes in a film. As you note, it is how these are used that makes the difference between good shows and bad ones.
Even August recording the video was done realistically, like he wasn't doing it to show people he just wanted to embarrass Wille as a stupid distasteful joke. He wasn't going to post it, just have a laugh. Then he sees Simon's face and he's conflicted. He stops recording and doesn't know what to do about it. It isn't until Wille tells everyone about his financial issues that he decides he wants to get back at him. What I'm saying is, as much as he shouldn't have posted it, you can follow August's trail of thought and tell he has a proper motive.
@@polkadotss I agree completely. Good writing requires that characters act in a manner consistent with what we know about them. Nothing matters more to August than his status as a "nobleman" - that is a landowner of an historical property. He is a leading player in the society that is pledged to maintain the status of such landowners. It is the basis of his entire self-image. Since the comments of the actor playing Wille and the writers all say that Wille is not ashamed of being gay, the humiliation of August when Wille outs him as broke and much greater than Wille's would be as being outed as gay. Wille has no experience with the desperation of someone in August's position - his status has been certain from birth. He probably doesn't realize the depth of shame he subjected August to when he outed him as broke. Had August known that Will had acted to cover August's tuition fees, August would almost certainly have never posted a video that could damage Wille in that way. Wille is not humiliated as August is, but he is put in an extremely difficult situation. I don't like people like August, but I do understand how intense an experience true humilation can be, and I think August posting the video is completely understandable.
When I first saw this show and saw that they had skin texture, I thought it was gonna be the sort of representation where they point it out over and over again. To my surprise, they didn’t which made me literally so happy. Teenagers actually looking like teenagers is something we basically never see in media, which is very damaging. This was a great review of the show!!
fr! some shows that include characters with acne will have the characters point it out in the mirror abt themselves or ba like that. but not here. it’s just there, like it is for so many. i loved it.
THIS! not even with acne but with people of color, lgbtq, etc. they didnt constantly have to *tell* us that someone was poc or queer. hollywood could never.
Yeah, it was quite amazing to see it in film which is looked at a higher regard/standard than what we put ourselves, modern folk, in our everyday life, which is the majority. The student characters look like teenagers because the actors are also really young irl (year of births ranging from 1998-2003)
YES YES YES this analysis. You’re so right. What’s really interesting about this particular brand of internalized homophobia is that I don’t think it has anything to do with Wille liking a boy and it being “not the norm”. It’s not about his personal feelings. It’s about his position in life and the fact that he’s basically living in a systemic homophobic institution with being part of a monarchy. He pursues Simon, he shows interest, and when Simon holds his hand, he reciprocates and is happy about it. It isn’t until Sara notices that he starts to get anxious and I think it’s because he realizes that he’s NOT a regular person. He’s not your average citizen, even a regular privileged one. He doesn’t have privacy nor the freedom to do as he wishes. If it was JUST up to Wille, if he wasn’t royalty, I don’t think he would care. He would embrace his feelings without hesitation. That’s what is so heartbreaking about this show is that his agency is completely taken away from him. He is stripped of any choice in the matter and he is closeted because he is essentially forced to be by his family and the monarchy. Simon has that choice and he parts from Wille because he doesn’t want to be closeted even though he understands why Wille needs to be. God it hurts so much. Love the video. Also, even though Simon doesn’t say love you back, we know that he does, and I think Willhelm knows it too. That hug killed me. The way Simon clings so tightly and buries his face into Wille’s neck 😭😭😭I can’t wait for Wille to burn down the monarchy in season two. My only disagreement: it is a perfect show 🥺
So so true, it's just so unfair and so out of their control that we can't help but feel sorry for them!! So tragic. And yes his agency is completely stripped away from him because there is no possible good outcome for him, there will always be a cost. 😭 Thanks for watching!
Yes! I completely agree on both counts. He didn’t say “I love you” back, but everything in his body language was reciprocation. I felt Wille’s look into the camera was the look of someone who was very angry and hurt (at his mother and august) and was planning to make a different choice than he had previously.
I think Simon gave us a great lesson in self-acceptance, maturity, courage, and emotional intelligence. He made many mistakes, but when his world fell apart, he knew how to respond in a healthy and responsible way, avoiding lying to others and especially to himself. He listened to his feelings, but he was not carried away by the euphoria of love. In the end, he made the best decision for himself and his beloved Wilhelm... It hurts, it is horrible to get away from the person you love, but it happens to more than one, and you don't have to be royalty or go to a prestigious school to be involved in a situation like that. btw your video is SO GOOD!
I feel like for once in a teenage drama Young Royals showed us teenage characters with actual BRAINS who genuinely were trying to take good and conscious decisions. Even though they fucked up here and there they still managed to realize their mistakes and went on to try and do the best next thing therefore making them all really likeable and relatable. It was refreshing to see them succeed at learning from their mistakes instead of going on and killing someone, planning on an elaborate escape or revenge, or some other overdramatic bs you usually get from other teenage dramas.
10:57 I do not think Simon never says I love you back because his love is conditional. I think he was just setting boundaries and protecting his already given heart to Wille from Wille who has broken his promise before about them. And I think we're all begging for a season 2!
Yeah I also think that Simon isn’t ready to say he loved Wille in that situation because Wille hasn’t specifically said how he imagines their relationship now. Simon said that he doesn’t want to be his secret and even though the hug is a great step it’s probably not enough to show Simon that Wille is ready to be open about their relationship. I think it might have been a different case if Wille had kissed Simon in that situation.
Ok think Simon could have been a bit more understanding about Willie's situation and position in life. Great video by the way and your narration is A+.
@@ryanwindsor2407 he understands. but he can't be a secret forever. it's not even about waiting until Wilhelm is ready. as far as he knows this is a thing during school then Wilhelm will be off, marrying a girl snd making heirs like a good little prince. there's no future there
when my therapist asked me why i liked and felt represented by wilhelm I couldn't explain to her, I didn't have the words to, now im sending her this video cause you just said it all about the internalized homophobia
1:04 yeah I really didn't like that scene either but I think she wants to kiss him for two reasons: she hasn't had any romantic or intimate experiences before (as she says at the sleepover) and wants to feel loved/fit in with her peers by doing what they do; she might not like him morally but sees it as an opportunity for a social "transaction" AND/OR she wants to be like Felice (again). 10:57 I don't think Simon is rejecting him here, I think they both know that he loves Simon too. as I have seen someone else online say, Wille's "I love you" was more like a promise or commitment to try to fix their situation so that they can be together. I think Simon is unable to say it back because he is the one putting up boundaries in the end and needs to let Wille figure out what choices to make on his own. also august is the pinnacle of evil I do NOT want to see him get a redemption ark (though I did think it was interesting how you were still able to empathise with him to a degree throughout the show) anyway this is such a good review! subscribed!! also nice to see another Aussie young royals fan :)
no arguments from me on 1:04 or 10:57...actually I wholly agree with you about 10:57......to go further though...the very last scene as Wilhelm drives off and he looks directly at the camera, just as the song say's "lets start a revolution".......yeah....if there is a second season.....does Willie come out????Does he force a change to the Swedish constitution? However when it comes to August....yeah, there's no denying he is the stories protagonist....but don't forget....he is also the one who tells Wilhelm that "Erik would want you to be yourself....you know, to follow your heart" .......so that's kinda open ended....is he an asshole or an ally? Does he regret outing Wilhelm and Simon......what's with the relationship with Sara?...does the Queen pull the plug on his tuition? there is alot going on with August..... My concern would be with Felice.....there's nothing worse than 'a woman scorned'....what will happen if she finds out about Sara and August? that could set off a whole host of issues........ there is so much more to this plot!!!!
I kinda really found empathy towards august, what he has done is disgusting and generally he's a bitch BUT i think he deserves a second chance over time. If he can change why not root for him u know?
i still love august and his character but i do think he shouldnt get a "redemption arc", most people in real life stay the same. he should stay the same "gray" kind of character
One of the things that I really liked about this show is that every character including Wilhelm and Simon have their grey areas. Yet their grey areas for the most part, maybe with the exception of August, are very realistic. We can all be selfish at times and hurt the people that we love especially in moments when we feel under pressure. Too many teens shows like Elite, Vampire Diaries, and Riverdale give their characters grey matter that is so extreme that not only is it completely unrelatable, but it often makes the characters that we are supposed to root for revolting. Even when Sara, or Simon, or Wilhelm mess up, I still root for them, because at their core they are still good hearted, and kind.
Something I noticed while watching this video is that Simon wears the color purple often in the show, which is interesting because purple is often associated with royalty and wealth due to past sumptuary laws in Europe. Simon is often wearing purple in scenes where he and Wille are growing closer, perhaps to foreshadow their relationship? It could also be a way to characterize Simon as rebellious against the classist status quo in the school by wearing a color associated with royalty. I’m not 100% sure what the significance of the purple is, but I doubt the costume designer did that on accident.
My relation point was Wilheim's internalized homophobia. I have heard people say that it seemed more as though he felt he wasn't 'allowed' to kiss Simon, which is very accurate to what internalized homophobia had been for me. I struggled with internalized homophobia immensely. Any crushes I'd had on women were always thought of as wanting to be friends or being immensely jealous because of how untouchable they felt to me when it was very clearly not that. Another thing I related to Wilheim's character was that his internalized homophobia was very low-key. He wasn't hateful towards LGBT peeps or anything like we'd imagine a person experiencing internalized homophobia might be. I personally was like that. I haven't cared when my friends have come out to me but the thought of actually being gay myself was so outlandish to me that it wasn't even an option until years later. To this day, I feel like an imposter despite having accepted that I am attracted to women. That's the power of internalized homophobia and comp-het.
one thing that really surprised me when i first watched young royals was the amazing casting they did for simon's mother, cause that lady is a hispanic woman and i have not seen that very often in drama series. they always cast someone who looks hispanic and then they speak and it's the most foreign accent i've ever heard. To me, personally, as a latin american queer woman, this is very important and young royals does the representation of simon's hispanic backgroung really well
@@solna7214 interesting. I noticed her swedish sounded a bit different but i'm not really familiar with the language so i wasn't sure what i was noticing. maybe it was that?
Also can we talk about how any intimate moments between the characters didn’t feel romanticized. Like it felt real, so real I kinda felt like wrong for even watching, like I was watching a friend or something. Also I don’t really recall them play music or at least “sexy” music I guess. It felt awkward and actually sorta romantic like they were taking their time and cared for one another. Idk I really like this show and it actually one of the few ya shows I’ve seen in awhile.
Right I can’t believe that they are best friends in real life, I’d be on my knees begging to get married if I had such intimate scenes with another actor
first off, really enjoyed the video. it is really well made. and yes, 100% agreed about August. i was so repulsed by that remark about Felice amongst other things. also something i had not given much thought to that you mentioned... about how funny Wilhelm and Simon are.. they really did make me lol at times. one scene that really cracks me up is on the football field when Wilhelm tries to "mount" Simon when he goes to pick up his bike. to add one more thing i found relatable is at times how awkward and tender their their intimate moments are. and i really enjoyed how they portrayed the character of the queen, like... how she expressed so much without actually saying much. i hope to see a bit more of her of there is a second season. in terms of what you mentioned about diversity i'd like to hear your opinion of 'Love, Victor' i feel the show has a sort of similar premise and there is much more diversity in the cast of Love, Victor, but i feel like it is very forced and i do not relate to nor am i interested in the characters like i do with Young Royals
Several scenes were improvised by the actors Edvin and Omar. These included the soccer field scenes. I was struck by an interview where Omar said that when he learnt about the Simon character being gay, before the auditions he said to himself “YES! I KNOW this.!” So I imagine the actors have enough experience around young gay people in both either the film or music worlds then have been involved for over 10 years to draw on for authentic looking ways of responding.
personally....I believe Love Victor and for that matter Love Simon have to pander to the extremist right wing evangelicals in the US....many of whom influence the censor....it also is the typical American soapy TV show with impossible beauty and physical standards....I think the worst thing about Love Victor is the constant public comments about how, both Victor and Benji are played by 'straight' actors. This solidified the show as 'unauthentic'....from day one of Love Victor I had a problem with this, as my concern was 'how does a young, confused gay person relate to a character, who turns off at 5pm after shooting has finished for the day....Although Love Victor does discuss some relatable gay issues....if fails as a legitimate 'gay' drama on this premise alone.....
I find it amazing. Young Royals is about a prince falling in love in a luxurious, rich school. Love, Victor is about a normal guy in high school discovering himself. And the thing is that, for most people, Youbg Royals felt more relatable and realistic. Which is even more surprising when you consider that most gay people go through the same thing as Victor, to some degree, in High School. I don't know why this is. For me personally, it's because Love Victor still has that Disney vibe to it. Young Royals feels more raw, natural and simple, like real life.
omg yes i thought i was the only person who thought that love, victor was such a forced & awkward show. i somehow managed to get through s1 but dropped in between of s2, i just thought that the love stories were forced and so much of it was also centered around sex. since i’m not american, i don’t know how accurate the representation of american teens is in the movie but i don’t think that all teenagers are so fixated on sex & being popular during high school anymore (IT’s NOT THE 90s ANYMORE FFS) and i’m also sure that most high schoolers know that the people they date in 9th grade won’t be their life partner forever,, the show kinda portrays that all teenagers are delusional, annoying & cringy and whilst i can agree to that to at a certain extent (as a teenager myself), the way the show goes about is extremely cringeworthy. i really don’t get the hype around the show but to each its own i guess.
@@marcustranfilm You should really consider reviewing/watching the film “your name engraved herein”, if you haven’t already. In my opinion it’s very beautifully produced.
I've watched the show a couple of times and I've been thinking about the August & Sara connection. I think at some point, they find each other wanting what the other offers to them, in Sara's case, becoming part of the elite at all costs, and August, being wanted by a woman because of who he is, elite and royalty. I don't think it has to do much about a love triangle, basically, because there's no love triangle at all (Felice couldn't care less about August, even when she decides to give him a chance), but rather showing us a situation in which both parts are desperate and cross the line for the sake of their own interests.
What I enjoy particularly about this story is that everyone is to some point likable. Yes even August since we see his struggle with body dysmorphia/eating disorders and substance abuse. Every bad or evil decision has a plausible reason like August releasing the video after Wilhelm embarrassed him in front of his friends. As a queer person on the autism spectrum that struggles with anxiety that presents like Wilhelms I felt seen for the first time. Also the fact that they didn’t tell us that he has anxiety and rather chose to show us realistically is truely a breath of fresh air. The Actors, writers and directors did a tremendous job. Especially considering that this was Omars (Simons) acting Debut. Also congratulations on your first video it is truely lovely and incredibly detailed. Edit: I just now noticed how incredibly late I am but I still wanted to add my point😅
LOVE this show and such a thoughtful and in-depth review! I didn’t see Simon saying “Have a nice Christmas” as a rejection, but as self protection (though you can argue that’s the same thing). After the conversation with Sara it makes sense that he wouldn’t open himself up to get hurt again without some more concrete proof that Wille isn’t going to drop him again.
I agree, Simon would be within his rights to tell Wille off for being manipulative in saying I love you after they've broken up. Simon's reaction is very measured. There's a bunch of translation problems, and that's one of the real clangers. That line could equally be translated as "I hope you have a good Christmas", the coldness of "nice" doesn't come from the Swedish, (the word is "fin" and it clearly has heaps of meanings, given Wille also uses it to tell Simon he's beautiful). It more likely comes from the cheap Netflix translation. It's one of the times when the acting tells you the translation is off, Wille reacts like Simon changed the subject and gave him warm wishes, not like he was just insulted.
Honestly the shows portrayal of the modern monarchy is just soo good, it's refreshing to see a representation more accurate than Disneyesque (unsure how to spell that word lol) American interpretation of how they imagine the monarchy to be
I agree with a lot of this video! i want to add with the finale with simon and wilhem splitting, i love how they didn’t frame simon or wilhem in the wrong. no one was evil and the viewer isn’t pushed to take a side. quite frankly it was a “right person wrong time”. and throughout the whole show there isn’t a “villain” which is also refreshing. Also to add to the representation part, i agree they portrayed it well! i love that the “it” girl (felice) isn’t a tall white skinny 30+ year old, and she didn’t end up “evil”. they handled a lot of the representation well. great first video! definitely subscribing!
Totally agree! It wasn't black or white. For the first time in probably forever I actually found myself thinking about the right and wrong of the situation at the end. Refreshingly cerebral.
Perfect review. This restored so much of my faith in tv/film written about and targeted toward young people. Only disagreement with you is that I totally think this 1st season is pretty much a masterpiece (especially considering it was 6 episodes). When thoughful artistic decisions for casting and wardrobe and such, amazing performances from actors, especially from Edvin, careful and specific directorial choices, and a truly inspired and nuanced script that lays a familiar trope/concept down but goes the unexpected way with the outcome come together, this this this I think is when storytelling is perfected. And it shines. So beautifully. Thank you for your thoughtful review, I really hadn't considered their thoughtful and brilliant use of social media! :)
So true! I particularly liked how subtle their use of light-coding was! Cool, blueish lights always meant tension, danger, decision-making, and warm, yellow-y tones for the carefree, happy moments
This is your FIRST VIDEO?? You sound like like you've been doing this for years, I'm beyond impressed by the quality! Excellent review, please keep it up!
Thank you! Netflix shows can be just as worthy of analysis as any other art form, particularly as they inform so much about the culture of young people today. Thanks for watching!
ah i loved this review !! one thing i particularly liked about the show was when simon told wilhelm that he could take as much time as he wanted to figure out how his sexuality conflicts with him being the crown prince, but he'll have to do it without their relationship. it shows that simon is putting himself first, which is a very healthy message to send across. and in the end, when simon didn't say "i love you" back, the point was driven across furthur because while simon clearly loves wilhelm, he knew that their relationship wasn't going to work until wilhelm figures his stuff out, and he owed it to himself and wilhelm to be honest about that
every part of this video was art. i can’t believe this was your first video. it sounds / looks as if it has been perfected during a long youtube career! you have a gift! subscribed ❤️
Thanks for watching everyone! Feel free to sub, and recommend films/series I should watch in the future, I plan to keep the content coming as fast as I can. *EDIT: New video is out!! Thanks for 1000 subs everyone!* also can we bond a little bit over how awful August is?? I haven't heard anyone else mention this but do you remember the disgusting part where Felice is introduced and then August says "the trick is to lay the foundation while they're still too insecure to object" and refers to Felice as "modern nobility" as if he potentially wants her for her blackness?? Either way so gross Also follow my socials! Links in description.
I agree. I wanted to punch him in the face. Thats just wrong in so many ways. I don't like how August "released" the type that was a d#@k move on his part and to use that as to why he released it then have him be all nice and buddy buddy with Willie after. Get lost August. Who cares what willie is doing and who he is doing it with. Maybe he August was not such an a--hole then maybe more ppl will like him. Sorry about the spoiler. I felt violated when August released it.
[Spoilers included] August is just so insanely messed up sometimes. Of course, he is nuanced like every character in the show with his own struggles also, with the exception of his obvious elitism, bigotry, and misogyny especially with that god-awful comment about Felice, his actions have clear, though still unjustified, motivations i.e., him releasing the tape because Wille embarrassed him and not paying Simon because he really didn't have the money not just to be a dick. But August has so so much maturing to do and what he did to them was simply unforgivable honestly. And I wanted to rip out his eyes every time he would interrupt them. Like SHUT UP!
I took that comment by August about modern nobility a different way than what you describe. I took modern nobility to mean ultra-rich with new money. He wants to take advantage of Felice for her wealth, a way to fund holding on to his land and his image of old nobility.
Hi! I loved this essay. Really wish some high school teacher would assign a project like this, where one would compare such a staple work as Oedipus Rex, which is often used to teach the elements of Greek tragedy, and apply it to a show/movie that one has watched. Also wanted to say add something to what you say at 11:08. I think that the interpretation that Wilhelm has lost the philosophical battle and that true love is unconditional in this context is not as accurate. From what I perceived in that scene is that, yes, Wilhelm's love confession was met with resistance from Simon, not because Simon doesn't love Wilhelm back, but because as he had previously stated, Simon values himself and wants a relationship where he "wouldn't be anybody's secret". The song that plays as Wilhelm looks into the camera one last time while he is in the car is repeating the word "revolution", indicating that Wilhelm is not happy with the status quo and that he will eventually find his way of breaking the schema of heteronormativity that plagues the royal family, revolutionizing the monarchy.
This show is, all across the board, a stunning piece of media. I’ve been trying to explain to others why I feel that way, but you’ve articulated it much more beautifully than I ever could.
The characters in the show are so fleshed out and felt so real. I love how the romance is portrayed as a normal aspect and not the sole focus of the drama. It’s so much more than that.I didn’t think I was going to love YR but it was honestly so so good. Hoping for a season 2!!
As a Norwegian constantly envious of how the Swedes have always made better films and music than us, I just want to point out that SKAM had pimply teens (Magnus, Even) BEFORE Young Royals! :)
simon is not socialist? "sosse" (being a nickname for socialdemokrat, a democratic party in Sweden) is used as a demeaning word that people (mostly sverigedemokrater use for diverse people or people who express needs of equality in any way, it's like a bad word (like "feminazi" for example), but not a slur or swear
My reading of the scene may very well have suffered due to the language barrier! Still I think the word does show a difference in political beliefs (shown when he speaks out in the class scene) and so I think socialist is not a terrible translation. Casually calling someone a "socialist" in English will also come with many of those connotations that the Swedish "sosse" would probably have. It's just a way to separate Simon from the rest of the school in terms of both ideology and class background, which are obviously related.
Calling an opponent a Socialist in the USA is a common and often effective tactic in winning elections. For some it is an extremely negative term here. Many who use it as a negative term have no idea what socialism is.
I think it's pretty much the same meaning here in the US. I don't think Simon was actually a socialist. August was pointing out and making fun of Simon's (lower) socioeconomic class.
Since the social democrats held power for almost a century, it also has connotations of establishment on the left side of the spectrum,, of the middle class, of being unimaginative or going for the default in politics. There's an excellent sketch depicting them as zombies ("paternity leeeaaaave...")
@@marcustranfilm the rich brats called Simon a “Sosse” because that’s how far left the right wing upper class can think about without their brains exploding. I know, I am a socialist how grew up in a very rich neighborhood in Stockholm
YR was so damn refreshing! It was so shocking to finally see actors who look like real teenagers, relatable, and real. It is definitely a must watch and onwards to season 2!
i found myself relating to willhelm's reactions even if the settings and circumstances weren't, like that one time he threw a tantrum and told her mom "i'm not gonna do it you can't make me" like that's a teenager right there
One of the things I admire the most about the show is the acne being present. I have huge problems with acne myself and seeing it on characters that are relatable completely stole my heart. Take Felice! She's a school beauty and the Lucia story of her being elected even though she didn't run for the role only proves the point. She's just gorgeous and you can hear, for example, Sara telling her that - and she has acne. And that made me so happy in a way I cannot even describe it. Maybe it's a little stupid, but it made my brain finally click and accept my acne and not feeling as if I'm ugly every time I look at my face. Anyway - I absolutely adore how you use examples of other culture (and popculture) stories, it really helps to get the idea. The use of more specific terminology was also perfect, overall I found this video essay both informative and enjoyable! I definitely will be waiting for your future stuff :+)
This is a very detailed and amazing review. All the others say the same things, that it’s beautiful and that they love it, but this was so different and well explained. I loved the comparison to films and stories dating back quite a long time ago that relate to this plot. Can’t wait to see more videos from you my guy :)
I'm 57 years old and i loved this series so much. Like you said there is full of details and so close to reality because they look like teenagers. I was surprised so see much social diversity and nationalities in such a small school. Great show indeed and look forward for season 2.
Well thank you -- I feel like I just took a mini film school master class. And you covered aspects outside of the obvious (which to me is the Wilhelm's change in mindset/behavior -- wavering though that change is -- after his brother dies and he tries to assume the royal mantle). I also need to add my kudos to the acting. I think young Edvin Ryding has the goods to be one of the greats.
This video was what finally convinced me to watch young royals. I've already seen it twice in the past 3 days. It means so much to me, it really hit home. It also hit me way harder than I expected. Swedish is my first language and it hurts like hell knowing what they're saying and the full weight of it all. This show left me emotionally wrecked and I thank them for that. I'm very excited to see what they bring to the table for season 2 :']
I could listen to you for hours. What a voice. So much substance. Thank you for this amazing video! Also: The "first kiss" scene (at the movie night) is - as you said - so perfect, i even got tears welling up in my eyes when you said "this scene is so f*** perfect, i wanna cry" … it gets me every time. (yes i've watched the season a couple of times already 🙈)
As a queer immigrant person living in the United States, while I’m not in the position the characters in the story are in, this show really makes you feel the weight of heteronormativity in today’s world and the anxiety of internalized homophobia
Great video! I was also really surprised at how good this show was, relatable and including so many diverse stories without seeming forced like a lot of shows tend to when the inclusion of diversity is an obligation instead of a conscious choice. I was also quite impressed that Sara is played by an actrice that has Asperger's, Frida Argento, which doesn't happen often in casting.
Nice thoughtful work. I keep thinking about much of what you said. This show is not perfect. It is not new. Yet there is something detailed and relatable and underscored that makes it special. It takes many themes and tropes but uses a microscope rather than binoculars to examine them. It also does an amazing job of showing a love story that feel both unapologetically clear AND relatable to anyone (we so rarely see some of the little moments in queer stories like stammering voices, awkward but sustained eye contact or brief attempts at exploratory touch, moments that feel specifically tuned to LGBTQIA experience while also feeling universal and completely normalizing of that experience)
Hi just watched this video! Came after you filmed a review on Call Me By Your Name and when I heard you talk about Young Royals, boy did I immediately add it to my watch queue. I loved how you covered the content, the organisation and the depth you brought in this video. I want to bring up a point too that, Young Royals' dilemma really makes one think what you would do if you were to be stuck in his situation. Being with the one you love at the price of failing to have a bloodline for the royal family who governs the country. It also takes into consideration and shows us how people under fame and immense spotlight, have to succumb to paparazzis and make a statement of perhaps a death in their family or something that really hurt them, even if they aren't ready or feeling 100% true to the speech that they have to broadcast. Loved watching this video. Please do make more!
I really loved all the subtle representation in in the show (besides the 🏳️🌈 obviously 😌) Sara and neurodivergency, august and body issues, Simon being trilingual?!, etc
I enjoyed your video so much. I’ve been watching a lot of Young Royals content on RUclips because I knew something about this show felt different. Your thorough analysis prompted me to look at the show through a different lense. This style of content analysis/ commentary needs to be more prevalent in the RUclips space. Thank you algorithm for blessing my timeline today!
Great review, thank you so much! I would love to see a color analysis of this show. Especially with its consistent use of red and green, particularly in lighting. I've noticed with rewatching that there are very few scenes without those colors prominently featured, but I haven't heard anybody talking about it much. Idk, I could be putting meaning where it doesn't belong, but if you find this as interesting as I do, I would appreciate your thoughts on it!
So true! I particularly liked how subtle their use of yellow/blue light-coding was! Cool, blueish lights always meant tension, danger, decision-making, and warm, yellow-y tones for the carefree, happy moments. I didn’t even notice until it was pointed out to me.
I was *so* moved by this show and couldn’t figure out why. I was confused since yeah, this has a los of teen drama tropes and I’m not into those shows anymore, but it had something especial and you perfectly put it into words. Came after your CMBYN video, I’m obsessed!!
just found "young royals" and so happy to find your analysis of it. it has really stuck with me, and i'm sure I will be re-watching the show repeatedly. and yes, waiting for for the drop date of season 2! i do want to mention the extraoridinary 'truth' that the actors convey, particularly edvin ryder. it is a prime/textbook example of the "less is more" school of acting, made even more powerful in that it is done completely in service to the character (i was a theater major and performer in los angeles for many years). I found your analysis to be spot on, encredibly well presented, and I look forward to seeing more videos from you. Suggestion--"Heartstopper", my other new favorite Netflix obsession (although COMPLETELY different in tone and presentation). keep up the fine work and thank you so much for your effort.
I have just recently finished watching young royals in its entirety, and I will gladly say it is one of my favorite teen dramas of today. Going along with what you have explained so well in this video, what makes this show one of my favorites is not the story itself but how eloquently it is articulated. I started kicking my feet and giggling watching your video because of how in depth and thoughtful your review was, and I truly throughly enjoyed learning about the different elements that make storytelling so powerful when it is done meticulously. While I mainly followed Simon and Wille’s storyline because of how much I cared about it, (now realizing it is because of a lot of the things you mentioned here including mimesis and catharsis) but nevertheless it was so incredibly refreshing to see a show that did not try to cram addressing as many social issues as it possibly could for the purpose of making underrepresented people feel represented, when it usually comes out tacky and superficial. Often times, underrepresentation is presented as a part of a character when in reality, it is just something people subconsciously deal with as per society, materializing as emotions, not personality traits (a great example being internalized-homophobia). Outright discrimination can be a good theme if it is done truly well but underrepresentation should be nuanced, not put to the forefront of the audiences mind. Making an audience relate and affiliate with a character in a story they have come to love, does more to build empathy than simply telling people what is happening. Showing not telling, and having the audience come to its own realizations and feelings, gives a show lasting impact. Miss Ambjörn, you have done it. My pain will last forever. On a side note, this video is phenomenal. Yes I am 3 years late to it but hey, I’m here right? I enjoy playwriting and screenwriting very much and look forward to watching more of your videos!
I think something important with the diversity aspect of the show is that the “diverse” characters have main roles and arcs of their own. Felice is a plus size person of colour with acne (usually side characters or friends of the main character) but she is the beautiful, perfect, popular girl that everyone wants to be friends with. Sara has Asperger’s and adhd but that isn’t her defining characteristic and the show doesn’t shove it in your face. She’s able to live a normal life like any other teenage girl but with the odd conflict that arises as a result of her nuerodiversity, not to mention how she was played by and actress with Asperger’s. There are many “diverse” characters in this show but this isn’t their entire personality trait or purpose for being in the show which makes them seem a lot more real and believable as a part of this world.
I seriously love your video! I thought it was like you 30th because it's so polished! to me what's special about young royals is all those little moments of connection between characters, Sara and Felice's friendship especially. And when Wilhelm said "i'm in a tough situation and I'm trying to talk to you about it!" that was just everything. I've waited 20 years for that type of line in a tv show.
I really appreciate this analysis. A lot of those I’ve previously watched have been alright if a bit repetitive but this one stands out in that he broke it down beforehand and drew from personal experience. I’m Swedish, watched the show in Swedish and I also think this one stands out in that it doesn’t fall into an Americanised perspective since I’ve also noticed that as a trend c:
Great review and analysis of its form! I know social representation isn’t your focus so much as mimesis but I gotta say how much I admire how this show embraces it’s queer, neurodivergent, non-white characters and gives them multiple dimensions. I also really enjoyed watching Sara and Felice’s friendship and how it wasn’t superficially destroyed by August kissing sara
I loved this show so much for every reason you stated. I'm in my mid twenties, and this was a show that moved me. I spent the whole show wishing si desperately that there was something like it - raw, empathetic, emotive and stunning - when I was 15 or 16. I think it is something very special, and I can't wait for season two.
Shiny: *the entire content of this video* Me: I agree and most of this analysis doesn't come as a surprise to me Shiny: this is my first video Me: WHAT Great production from the start. Keep up the good work.
i can’t believe this is your first video. so well edited, so well spoken, and so well organized. no growing pains at all. you seem like you’ve been doing this for decades. so well done!
The realism of this show reminds me of SKAM. It's a Norwegian show and the most relatable/innovative teen drama I've ever watched. It heavily integrates social media and I think you'd love S3 (Isak and Even's season) although ALL the seasons are worth a watch for different reasons. It also has a bunch of remakes but Skam Dutch and Skam Italia are the best
Very beautiful how you compared the „reshowing“ of introduced things like social media. You can take this concept even a step further… In the first episode you see Wilhelm looking right into the camera. He is breaking the „4th wall“ and connects to the audience. This scene plays directly before the intro in episode 1. He never does it again until we arrive at the very last episode. You took the scene at 11:17 Wilhelm breaks the 4th wall the second and last time… I had goosebumps… It shows that we feel with him. He explains that we know how he feels now… We are so close to him, that we understand the whole problem with one eye-contact 🥺 So beautiful but heartbreaking 💔 Thanks for sharing your video and comments.
reading the comments here I'm not sure whether I have anything more to add - although I will say that, despite this being said over and over again, I absolutely LOVE the fact that most of the characters have acne and actually look like teenagers. it is so refreshing to see, I really hope more teen dramas will do what Young Royals did, because not only did they have a pretty racially diverse cast, plus a neurodivergent character whose condition isn't her entire personality, they actually gave their audience likeable and relatable characters, with relatable feelings and emotions, if not experiences. I think I'd be very happy if a second season was released! really enjoyed your video~!
This is your first video? Jeez, you've got a crazy talent for reviewing movies/shows in an accessible way, and the tempo and use of your voice makes it really comfortable to watch/listen. Also, I agree 100 % with your analysis, except somehow this show was perfect to me. Probably because I'm much older (41), it felt like reliving high school but with the possibility of at least being honest with myself about liking a guy. I'm Scandinavian myself, and I think a show about royalty is one of only a few ways to tell a story about homophobia in 2021.
I am overwhelmed by your presentation. You come across as knowledgeable and wise, and importantly in agreement with my thinking. I loved the sound of your voice, and could look at you for hours...
just wanted to say i really appreciate and am impressed by the connections to classical literature and screenwriting techniques. what a succinct, well done and thoughtful video essay. subbed and can't wait to see what more you have in store !
As someone who aspires to start a similar youtube content like this, this video is really an inspiration. You have made an first video for your channel. Definitely subscribing. Also I think this was really well analysed. Simone's character was so deep and rooted in so many colors of class and ethnic differences but it all somehow came through. Loved it.
I think you articulated all my thoughts on Young Royals PERFECTLY. When I first watched it, ngl I wasn't as SHOOK as I thought I would be, especially with all the hype surrounding it. Story-wise, Young Royals isn't exactly revolutionary or something we haven't seen before. But still, the show was relatable, enjoyable and unforgettable and I couldn't put my finger on WHY. (until I watched this video :)) Like you, I also went to a private school and a lot of the drama and politics in the show went down at my school too. Sure, maybe not AS dramatic but still, they were definitely present. P.S. Also, I think part of the reason why I wasn't as blown away initially is the fact that I'm so used to watching/hearing about teen dramas like Riverdale, Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars and 13RW, that I've sort of been desensitised towards a show like Young Royals, a series that doesn't feed into the need to shove EVERY ASPECT of EVERY CHARACTER down our throats. The characters in Young Royals simply...are~
you were the voice for my thoughts !!! this whole month i kept on rewatching it and started to realize all the little details that went into the production. such a brilliant show and im sure this will be such a good example for future shows with amazing represantation !!! thank you for this analysis
I have the attention span of a goldfish but your videos have me so engaged. Something I really enjoyed on the side of the main storylines, was how little they pitted the female characters against each other. Felice listened when Sara told her the truth and they supported each other. It was just very refreshing to watch. anyway loving your content :)
![Edvin Ryding and Omar Rudberg Talk Young Royals and Tease the Third Season [Extended] | Tonight Show](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gIfSF1vcwXo/mqdefault.jpg)
What's also interesting is that every character in this show lives in a morally grey zone much like in real life. Every one of them did at least one objectively bad thing. And it's also refreshing that it eschews the need of a villain. What we see instead are characters being antagonistic against each other in certain respects.
i see this, at first i was really bothered by how the character of sara played out towards the end like i was so affected cause i didnt see it coming and was really trying so hard to make sense of it cause theyve successfully made as sympathise with her and frame her as this really honest humble innocent character but then the thing happened and so i felt really disassociated from how i perceived her and just instantly you would like have to see those past behaviours leading her to that moment as the opposite of how it registered the first time and it's so annoying but like good but like still annoying cause you see her in a way but the thing is it's actually so authentic that scene of her with august cause of how humanized her character was and fuck yes of course all of it is reasonable. they juat happen to be in that situation and it's very spontaneous and so it portrayed something so human of the character. im so rooting for her character arc/development for season two🧡🧡🧡
made us*
@@franzdevilla9939 Sara has Asperger's so her social interactions are inappropriate at times because of that. That's the whole reason they attend Hillerska and Simon wanted to sell booze because so Sara can have more social interactions with her classmates. Also, that's why Sara is so scared to leave Hillerska because she finally (probably for the first time in her life) has friends.
Just like real life
that's such an amazing observation. many shows and films feature characters that everyone loves or hates. however, as human beings, were are much more complex; we do both 'good' and 'bad' things. the show makes use of that in an excellent manner
'We've done nothing wrong' was perhaps the most important line in the whole series.
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The problem is when trying to explain this to religious people who use the holy texts to justify their homophobia. Because according to these people, it IS wrong to act on homosexual feelings.
@@EscargoTouChaud - that’s correct. I think it’s taken from a quote from the Bible where it is claimed that Jesus said that a man who lies with another man is an ‘abomination’. As far as the Roman Catholic Church is concerned, they consider gay sex as no different to having sex with an animal, in other words they class gay sex and bestiality within the same category.
@@showmoke Can only shake my head... It is upsetting.
@@EscargoTouChaud - I have to agree with you and I was brought up in a strictly Roman Catholic environment.
One thing I loved was the miltilingual aspect of this. When Simon and his sister were having dinner in their home, they spoke in 1. Swedish 2. Spanish (?) and 3. English and I've never seen that portrayed on media in a domestic setting before depsite living in a similar language setting.
dude sameee
I liked that too, I could relate to it
If you liked that, i can recommend Blood and Water, a South African teen show where the main character speaks multiple languages as well
also, as a native spanish speaker, something that made me VERY happy was hearing a very natural and real pronunciation of spanish, i'm not sure if simon's actor spoke spanish before the show but his accent seems like i'd expect for someone with his cultural background (mother's side is hispanic, father's is swedish), also his mother's actress IS hispanic af and that's great casting
@@nayaraq7606 I mean Simon's actor Omar Rudberg is a Latino himself, he was born in Venezuela and moved to Sweden when he was six
something random to add in to the convo bc i haven’t seen ANYONE talk abt it yet is august’s eating disorder or body dysmorphia or something that he has going on that i noticed w the aggressive working out and the body checks near the last episodes. idk i just feel like that didn’t get any attention when that was such a key little detail i caught onto
YES i really thought there was some sort of OCD going on too, he had an obsession for control, with his super organised room, his control of Felice and the body dysmorphia. He was obsessed with the rowing machine and the more out of control he felt, the more he seemed to exercise.
yeah he definitely has control issues which could definitely result in an ed or other issues with image
@@graceroberts8832 having a super organised room is not an ocd trait. But, I do agree that it could be the show’s misinformed way of trying to portray ocd. After all, ocd and body dysmorphia are very closely linked
@@aimeemcdonald1581 of course, OCD is much worse and much more complex than being tidy. I thought maybe it added to the control issues they were showing, i agree with you maybe it was their attempt to portray OCD because it seemed too purposeful to be insignificant.
he used exercise to relieve stress
Yes, it may contain a lot of teen drama tropes, but what matters is that they handled the tropes well. For example, August is the popular bully but his backstory was compelling, his conflict believable, the acting nuanced and successful at conveying inner turmoil and apprehension.
And the lives of teens or anyone are filled with actions and situations that would be considered tropes in a film. As you note, it is how these are used that makes the difference between good shows and bad ones.
I couldn't even hate him. I'm just always severely disappointed in him, but always unfortunately rooting for him.
Even August recording the video was done realistically, like he wasn't doing it to show people he just wanted to embarrass Wille as a stupid distasteful joke. He wasn't going to post it, just have a laugh. Then he sees Simon's face and he's conflicted. He stops recording and doesn't know what to do about it. It isn't until Wille tells everyone about his financial issues that he decides he wants to get back at him. What I'm saying is, as much as he shouldn't have posted it, you can follow August's trail of thought and tell he has a proper motive.
@@polkadotss YESSSSSS exactlyyyy
@@polkadotss I agree completely. Good writing requires that characters act in a manner consistent with what we know about them. Nothing matters more to August than his status as a "nobleman" - that is a landowner of an historical property. He is a leading player in the society that is pledged to maintain the status of such landowners. It is the basis of his entire self-image. Since the comments of the actor playing Wille and the writers all say that Wille is not ashamed of being gay, the humiliation of August when Wille outs him as broke and much greater than Wille's would be as being outed as gay. Wille has no experience with the desperation of someone in August's position - his status has been certain from birth. He probably doesn't realize the depth of shame he subjected August to when he outed him as broke. Had August known that Will had acted to cover August's tuition fees, August would almost certainly have never posted a video that could damage Wille in that way. Wille is not humiliated as August is, but he is put in an extremely difficult situation. I don't like people like August, but I do understand how intense an experience true humilation can be, and I think August posting the video is completely understandable.
When I first saw this show and saw that they had skin texture, I thought it was gonna be the sort of representation where they point it out over and over again. To my surprise, they didn’t which made me literally so happy. Teenagers actually looking like teenagers is something we basically never see in media, which is very damaging. This was a great review of the show!!
fr! some shows that include characters with acne will have the characters point it out in the mirror abt themselves or ba like that. but not here. it’s just there, like it is for so many. i loved it.
THIS! not even with acne but with people of color, lgbtq, etc. they didnt constantly have to *tell* us that someone was poc or queer. hollywood could never.
Yeah, it was quite amazing to see it in film which is looked at a higher regard/standard than what we put ourselves, modern folk, in our everyday life, which is the majority.
The student characters look like teenagers because the actors are also really young irl (year of births ranging from 1998-2003)
exactly, and Wilhelm is still handsome xD
In Scandinavia, most people actually don’t have acne though, so I thought it was kinda weird
YES YES YES this analysis. You’re so right. What’s really interesting about this particular brand of internalized homophobia is that I don’t think it has anything to do with Wille liking a boy and it being “not the norm”. It’s not about his personal feelings. It’s about his position in life and the fact that he’s basically living in a systemic homophobic institution with being part of a monarchy. He pursues Simon, he shows interest, and when Simon holds his hand, he reciprocates and is happy about it. It isn’t until Sara notices that he starts to get anxious and I think it’s because he realizes that he’s NOT a regular person. He’s not your average citizen, even a regular privileged one. He doesn’t have privacy nor the freedom to do as he wishes. If it was JUST up to Wille, if he wasn’t royalty, I don’t think he would care. He would embrace his feelings without hesitation. That’s what is so heartbreaking about this show is that his agency is completely taken away from him. He is stripped of any choice in the matter and he is closeted because he is essentially forced to be by his family and the monarchy. Simon has that choice and he parts from Wille because he doesn’t want to be closeted even though he understands why Wille needs to be. God it hurts so much. Love the video.
Also, even though Simon doesn’t say love you back, we know that he does, and I think Willhelm knows it too. That hug killed me. The way Simon clings so tightly and buries his face into Wille’s neck 😭😭😭I can’t wait for Wille to burn down the monarchy in season two.
My only disagreement: it is a perfect show 🥺
So so true, it's just so unfair and so out of their control that we can't help but feel sorry for them!! So tragic. And yes his agency is completely stripped away from him because there is no possible good outcome for him, there will always be a cost. 😭 Thanks for watching!
@@marcustranfilm going to subscribe and I am looking forward to future videos, I’m a hoe for analysis
So true. The head writer (Lisa) said herself that Wilhem's problem isn't his sexuality, it's his role as a Prince.
Yes! I completely agree on both counts. He didn’t say “I love you” back, but everything in his body language was reciprocation. I felt Wille’s look into the camera was the look of someone who was very angry and hurt (at his mother and august) and was planning to make a different choice than he had previously.
@@hannahramsey3658 GOD yes!! I am so ready for love to win in s2!
I think Simon gave us a great lesson in self-acceptance, maturity, courage, and emotional intelligence. He made many mistakes, but when his world fell apart, he knew how to respond in a healthy and responsible way, avoiding lying to others and especially to himself. He listened to his feelings, but he was not carried away by the euphoria of love. In the end, he made the best decision for himself and his beloved Wilhelm... It hurts, it is horrible to get away from the person you love, but it happens to more than one, and you don't have to be royalty or go to a prestigious school to be involved in a situation like that.
btw your video is SO GOOD!
Exactly, the emotions are so relatable. Thanks for watching!
I feel like for once in a teenage drama Young Royals showed us teenage characters with actual BRAINS who genuinely were trying to take good and conscious decisions. Even though they fucked up here and there they still managed to realize their mistakes and went on to try and do the best next thing therefore making them all really likeable and relatable. It was refreshing to see them succeed at learning from their mistakes instead of going on and killing someone, planning on an elaborate escape or revenge, or some other overdramatic bs you usually get from other teenage dramas.
10:57 I do not think Simon never says I love you back because his love is conditional. I think he was just setting boundaries and protecting his already given heart to Wille from Wille who has broken his promise before about them.
And I think we're all begging for a season 2!
Yes. Simon loves Wilhelm. But Simon was somewhat betrayed due to Wille’s suffocating situation.
Yeah I also think that Simon isn’t ready to say he loved Wille in that situation because Wille hasn’t specifically said how he imagines their relationship now. Simon said that he doesn’t want to be his secret and even though the hug is a great step it’s probably not enough to show Simon that Wille is ready to be open about their relationship. I think it might have been a different case if Wille had kissed Simon in that situation.
I personally thought he meant that Wilhelm is conditioning their love by keeping it a secret but idk
Ok think Simon could have been a bit more understanding about Willie's situation and position in life. Great video by the way and your narration is A+.
@@ryanwindsor2407 he understands. but he can't be a secret forever. it's not even about waiting until Wilhelm is ready. as far as he knows this is a thing during school then Wilhelm will be off, marrying a girl snd making heirs like a good little prince. there's no future there
when my therapist asked me why i liked and felt represented by wilhelm I couldn't explain to her, I didn't have the words to, now im sending her this video cause you just said it all about the internalized homophobia
Such a nice comment, thank you!
Remember, it is okay to be not heterosexual. You'll find yourself
1:04 yeah I really didn't like that scene either but I think she wants to kiss him for two reasons: she hasn't had any romantic or intimate experiences before (as she says at the sleepover) and wants to feel loved/fit in with her peers by doing what they do; she might not like him morally but sees it as an opportunity for a social "transaction" AND/OR she wants to be like Felice (again).
10:57 I don't think Simon is rejecting him here, I think they both know that he loves Simon too. as I have seen someone else online say, Wille's "I love you" was more like a promise or commitment to try to fix their situation so that they can be together. I think Simon is unable to say it back because he is the one putting up boundaries in the end and needs to let Wille figure out what choices to make on his own.
also august is the pinnacle of evil I do NOT want to see him get a redemption ark (though I did think it was interesting how you were still able to empathise with him to a degree throughout the show)
anyway this is such a good review! subscribed!! also nice to see another Aussie young royals fan :)
no arguments from me on 1:04 or 10:57...actually I wholly agree with you about 10:57......to go further though...the very last scene as Wilhelm drives off and he looks directly at the camera, just as the song say's "lets start a revolution".......yeah....if there is a second season.....does Willie come out????Does he force a change to the Swedish constitution?
However when it comes to August....yeah, there's no denying he is the stories protagonist....but don't forget....he is also the one who tells Wilhelm that "Erik would want you to be yourself....you know, to follow your heart" .......so that's kinda open ended....is he an asshole or an ally? Does he regret outing Wilhelm and Simon......what's with the relationship with Sara?...does the Queen pull the plug on his tuition? there is alot going on with August.....
My concern would be with Felice.....there's nothing worse than 'a woman scorned'....what will happen if she finds out about Sara and August? that could set off a whole host of issues........
there is so much more to this plot!!!!
I kinda really found empathy towards august, what he has done is disgusting and generally he's a bitch BUT i think he deserves a second chance over time. If he can change why not root for him u know?
i still love august and his character but i do think he shouldnt get a "redemption arc", most people in real life stay the same. he should stay the same "gray" kind of character
@@moonsaer he can get an redemption arc once he's convicted and has served his jail sentence for distributing child porn
@@edithputhy4948 sure i can stand for that
One of the things that I really liked about this show is that every character including Wilhelm and Simon have their grey areas. Yet their grey areas for the most part, maybe with the exception of August, are very realistic. We can all be selfish at times and hurt the people that we love especially in moments when we feel under pressure. Too many teens shows like Elite, Vampire Diaries, and Riverdale give their characters grey matter that is so extreme that not only is it completely unrelatable, but it often makes the characters that we are supposed to root for revolting. Even when Sara, or Simon, or Wilhelm mess up, I still root for them, because at their core they are still good hearted, and kind.
Something I noticed while watching this video is that Simon wears the color purple often in the show, which is interesting because purple is often associated with royalty and wealth due to past sumptuary laws in Europe. Simon is often wearing purple in scenes where he and Wille are growing closer, perhaps to foreshadow their relationship? It could also be a way to characterize Simon as rebellious against the classist status quo in the school by wearing a color associated with royalty. I’m not 100% sure what the significance of the purple is, but I doubt the costume designer did that on accident.
My relation point was Wilheim's internalized homophobia. I have heard people say that it seemed more as though he felt he wasn't 'allowed' to kiss Simon, which is very accurate to what internalized homophobia had been for me. I struggled with internalized homophobia immensely. Any crushes I'd had on women were always thought of as wanting to be friends or being immensely jealous because of how untouchable they felt to me when it was very clearly not that. Another thing I related to Wilheim's character was that his internalized homophobia was very low-key. He wasn't hateful towards LGBT peeps or anything like we'd imagine a person experiencing internalized homophobia might be. I personally was like that. I haven't cared when my friends have come out to me but the thought of actually being gay myself was so outlandish to me that it wasn't even an option until years later. To this day, I feel like an imposter despite having accepted that I am attracted to women. That's the power of internalized homophobia and comp-het.
one thing that really surprised me when i first watched young royals was the amazing casting they did for simon's mother, cause that lady is a hispanic woman and i have not seen that very often in drama series. they always cast someone who looks hispanic and then they speak and it's the most foreign accent i've ever heard. To me, personally, as a latin american queer woman, this is very important and young royals does the representation of simon's hispanic backgroung really well
She is in fact Norwegian Hispanic and struggled a bit with the Swedish language, which works fine! Norwegian and Swedish are very similar.
@@solna7214 interesting. I noticed her swedish sounded a bit different but i'm not really familiar with the language so i wasn't sure what i was noticing. maybe it was that?
Also can we talk about how any intimate moments between the characters didn’t feel romanticized. Like it felt real, so real I kinda felt like wrong for even watching, like I was watching a friend or something. Also I don’t really recall them play music or at least “sexy” music I guess. It felt awkward and actually sorta romantic like they were taking their time and cared for one another. Idk I really like this show and it actually one of the few ya shows I’ve seen in awhile.
Right I can’t believe that they are best friends in real life, I’d be on my knees begging to get married if I had such intimate scenes with another actor
I like these scenes where Wille looks at the camera on the first and last ep of Season 1. Like it's just so iconic and creative.
Breaking the 4th wall
Watching young royals won't feel like wasting time, it's more like witnessing a piece of art, one can feel the emotions, relate to characters
Exaktly
first off, really enjoyed the video. it is really well made.
and yes, 100% agreed about August. i was so repulsed by that remark about Felice amongst other things.
also something i had not given much thought to that you mentioned... about how funny Wilhelm and Simon are.. they really did make me lol at times. one scene that really cracks me up is on the football field when Wilhelm tries to "mount" Simon when he goes to pick up his bike.
to add one more thing i found relatable is at times how awkward and tender their their intimate moments are. and i really enjoyed how they portrayed the character of the queen, like... how she expressed so much without actually saying much. i hope to see a bit more of her of there is a second season.
in terms of what you mentioned about diversity i'd like to hear your opinion of 'Love, Victor' i feel the show has a sort of similar premise and there is much more diversity in the cast of Love, Victor, but i feel like it is very forced and i do not relate to nor am i interested in the characters like i do with Young Royals
Several scenes were improvised by the actors Edvin and Omar. These included the soccer field scenes. I was struck by an interview where Omar said that when he learnt about the Simon character being gay, before the auditions he said to himself “YES! I KNOW this.!” So I imagine the actors have enough experience around young gay people in both either the film or music worlds then have been involved for over 10 years to draw on for authentic looking ways of responding.
personally....I believe Love Victor and for that matter Love Simon have to pander to the extremist right wing evangelicals in the US....many of whom influence the censor....it also is the typical American soapy TV show with impossible beauty and physical standards....I think the worst thing about Love Victor is the constant public comments about how, both Victor and Benji are played by 'straight' actors. This solidified the show as 'unauthentic'....from day one of Love Victor I had a problem with this, as my concern was 'how does a young, confused gay person relate to a character, who turns off at 5pm after shooting has finished for the day....Although Love Victor does discuss some relatable gay issues....if fails as a legitimate 'gay' drama on this premise alone.....
I find it amazing. Young Royals is about a prince falling in love in a luxurious, rich school. Love, Victor is about a normal guy in high school discovering himself.
And the thing is that, for most people, Youbg Royals felt more relatable and realistic. Which is even more surprising when you consider that most gay people go through the same thing as Victor, to some degree, in High School.
I don't know why this is. For me personally, it's because Love Victor still has that Disney vibe to it. Young Royals feels more raw, natural and simple, like real life.
omg yes i thought i was the only person who thought that love, victor was such a forced & awkward show. i somehow managed to get through s1 but dropped in between of s2, i just thought that the love stories were forced and so much of it was also centered around sex. since i’m not american, i don’t know how accurate the representation of american teens is in the movie but i don’t think that all teenagers are so fixated on sex & being popular during high school anymore (IT’s NOT THE 90s ANYMORE FFS) and i’m also sure that most high schoolers know that the people they date in 9th grade won’t be their life partner forever,, the show kinda portrays that all teenagers are delusional, annoying & cringy and whilst i can agree to that to at a certain extent (as a teenager myself), the way the show goes about is extremely cringeworthy. i really don’t get the hype around the show but to each its own i guess.
@@SRM_NZ Would you settle for the bargain that no straight actors play gay characters and no gay actors play straight characters?
I really enjoyed this review, totally obsessed with this show at the moment!
Aaah thank you! As you can probably tell I am also a little obsessed. Any other shows/films you would recommend I watch/review?
Watch Skam (season 3 in particular). I would love to hear your views on that show!
@@marcustranfilm Love, Victor?
@@marcustranfilm You should really consider reviewing/watching the film “your name engraved herein”, if you haven’t already. In my opinion it’s very beautifully produced.
Love victor is similar to Young royals! And maybe do a full in depth review to euphoria?
Its frustrating to not be able to hate a character for too long, but thats what makes me love it.
I've watched the show a couple of times and I've been thinking about the August & Sara connection. I think at some point, they find each other wanting what the other offers to them, in Sara's case, becoming part of the elite at all costs, and August, being wanted by a woman because of who he is, elite and royalty. I don't think it has to do much about a love triangle, basically, because there's no love triangle at all (Felice couldn't care less about August, even when she decides to give him a chance), but rather showing us a situation in which both parts are desperate and cross the line for the sake of their own interests.
What I enjoy particularly about this story is that everyone is to some point likable. Yes even August since we see his struggle with body dysmorphia/eating disorders and substance abuse. Every bad or evil decision has a plausible reason like August releasing the video after Wilhelm embarrassed him in front of his friends. As a queer person on the autism spectrum that struggles with anxiety that presents like Wilhelms I felt seen for the first time. Also the fact that they didn’t tell us that he has anxiety and rather chose to show us realistically is truely a breath of fresh air. The Actors, writers and directors did a tremendous job. Especially considering that this was Omars (Simons) acting Debut. Also congratulations on your first video it is truely lovely and incredibly detailed.
Edit: I just now noticed how incredibly late I am but I still wanted to add my point😅
LOVE this show and such a thoughtful and in-depth review!
I didn’t see Simon saying “Have a nice Christmas” as a rejection, but as self protection (though you can argue that’s the same thing). After the conversation with Sara it makes sense that he wouldn’t open himself up to get hurt again without some more concrete proof that Wille isn’t going to drop him again.
I agree, Simon would be within his rights to tell Wille off for being manipulative in saying I love you after they've broken up. Simon's reaction is very measured. There's a bunch of translation problems, and that's one of the real clangers. That line could equally be translated as "I hope you have a good Christmas", the coldness of "nice" doesn't come from the Swedish, (the word is "fin" and it clearly has heaps of meanings, given Wille also uses it to tell Simon he's beautiful). It more likely comes from the cheap Netflix translation. It's one of the times when the acting tells you the translation is off, Wille reacts like Simon changed the subject and gave him warm wishes, not like he was just insulted.
Honestly the shows portrayal of the modern monarchy is just soo good, it's refreshing to see a representation more accurate than Disneyesque (unsure how to spell that word lol) American interpretation of how they imagine the monarchy to be
I agree with a lot of this video! i want to add with the finale with simon and wilhem splitting, i love how they didn’t frame simon or wilhem in the wrong. no one was evil and the viewer isn’t pushed to take a side. quite frankly it was a “right person wrong time”. and throughout the whole show there isn’t a “villain” which is also refreshing.
Also to add to the representation part, i agree they portrayed it well! i love that the “it” girl (felice) isn’t a tall white skinny 30+ year old, and she didn’t end up “evil”. they handled a lot of the representation well. great first video! definitely subscribing!
Totally agree! It wasn't black or white. For the first time in probably forever I actually found myself thinking about the right and wrong of the situation at the end. Refreshingly cerebral.
@@marcustranfilm definitely! and the creator of young royals reposted ur video on insta, congrats!
Perfect review. This restored so much of my faith in tv/film written about and targeted toward young people. Only disagreement with you is that I totally think this 1st season is pretty much a masterpiece (especially considering it was 6 episodes). When thoughful artistic decisions for casting and wardrobe and such, amazing performances from actors, especially from Edvin, careful and specific directorial choices, and a truly inspired and nuanced script that lays a familiar trope/concept down but goes the unexpected way with the outcome come together, this this this I think is when storytelling is perfected. And it shines. So beautifully. Thank you for your thoughtful review, I really hadn't considered their thoughtful and brilliant use of social media! :)
So true! I particularly liked how subtle their use of light-coding was! Cool, blueish lights always meant tension, danger, decision-making, and warm, yellow-y tones for the carefree, happy moments
I agree, it's not perfect. It was missing a season 2 😭
i relate to this so much
This is your FIRST VIDEO?? You sound like like you've been doing this for years, I'm beyond impressed by the quality! Excellent review, please keep it up!
I love how you analyzed with concepts existing. that was very educative and refreshing. Thank you.
Thank you! Netflix shows can be just as worthy of analysis as any other art form, particularly as they inform so much about the culture of young people today. Thanks for watching!
ah i loved this review !! one thing i particularly liked about the show was when simon told wilhelm that he could take as much time as he wanted to figure out how his sexuality conflicts with him being the crown prince, but he'll have to do it without their relationship. it shows that simon is putting himself first, which is a very healthy message to send across. and in the end, when simon didn't say "i love you" back, the point was driven across furthur because while simon clearly loves wilhelm, he knew that their relationship wasn't going to work until wilhelm figures his stuff out, and he owed it to himself and wilhelm to be honest about that
Honestly like the characters having acne meant SOOOO much to me
man. young royals is literally my favourite show ever. i can’t describe how good it is or how it made me feel watching it
You should REALLY do this for season 2-3 there was SO much character development and changes that happened!
every part of this video was art. i can’t believe this was your first video. it sounds / looks as if it has been perfected during a long youtube career! you have a gift! subscribed ❤️
Thanks Ron! Love your work
i just really liked the fact that Felice could have been the mean girl but instead they let her and Sara become actual friends
Thanks for watching everyone! Feel free to sub, and recommend films/series I should watch in the future, I plan to keep the content coming as fast as I can.
*EDIT: New video is out!! Thanks for 1000 subs everyone!*
also can we bond a little bit over how awful August is?? I haven't heard anyone else mention this but do you remember the disgusting part where Felice is introduced and then August says "the trick is to lay the foundation while they're still too insecure to object" and refers to Felice as "modern nobility" as if he potentially wants her for her blackness?? Either way so gross
Also follow my socials! Links in description.
I have never wanted to punch a character in the face as bad as I do August
I agree. I wanted to punch him in the face. Thats just wrong in so many ways. I don't like how August "released" the type that was a d#@k move on his part and to use that as to why he released it then have him be all nice and buddy buddy with Willie after. Get lost August. Who cares what willie is doing and who he is doing it with. Maybe he August was not such an a--hole then maybe more ppl will like him. Sorry about the spoiler.
I felt violated when August released it.
[Spoilers included] August is just so insanely messed up sometimes. Of course, he is nuanced like every character in the show with his own struggles also, with the exception of his obvious elitism, bigotry, and misogyny especially with that god-awful comment about Felice, his actions have clear, though still unjustified, motivations i.e., him releasing the tape because Wille embarrassed him and not paying Simon because he really didn't have the money not just to be a dick. But August has so so much maturing to do and what he did to them was simply unforgivable honestly. And I wanted to rip out his eyes every time he would interrupt them. Like SHUT UP!
@@logitech2187 I remember watching the scene where August uploads the video and shouting at the TV "Don't do it!! Don't do it!!!"
I took that comment by August about modern nobility a different way than what you describe. I took modern nobility to mean ultra-rich with new money. He wants to take advantage of Felice for her wealth, a way to fund holding on to his land and his image of old nobility.
Hi! I loved this essay. Really wish some high school teacher would assign a project like this, where one would compare such a staple work as Oedipus Rex, which is often used to teach the elements of Greek tragedy, and apply it to a show/movie that one has watched.
Also wanted to say add something to what you say at 11:08. I think that the interpretation that Wilhelm has lost the philosophical battle and that true love is unconditional in this context is not as accurate. From what I perceived in that scene is that, yes, Wilhelm's love confession was met with resistance from Simon, not because Simon doesn't love Wilhelm back, but because as he had previously stated, Simon values himself and wants a relationship where he "wouldn't be anybody's secret". The song that plays as Wilhelm looks into the camera one last time while he is in the car is repeating the word "revolution", indicating that Wilhelm is not happy with the status quo and that he will eventually find his way of breaking the schema of heteronormativity that plagues the royal family, revolutionizing the monarchy.
I think this is a very good point. I agree with you.
This show is, all across the board, a stunning piece of media. I’ve been trying to explain to others why I feel that way, but you’ve articulated it much more beautifully than I ever could.
Spread the word! We need a season 2!
The characters in the show are so fleshed out and felt so real. I love how the romance is portrayed as a normal aspect and not the sole focus of the drama. It’s so much more than that.I didn’t think I was going to love YR but it was honestly so so good. Hoping for a season 2!!
As a Norwegian constantly envious of how the Swedes have always made better films and music than us, I just want to point out that SKAM had pimply teens (Magnus, Even) BEFORE Young Royals! :)
simon is not socialist? "sosse" (being a nickname for socialdemokrat, a democratic party in Sweden) is used as a demeaning word that people (mostly sverigedemokrater use for diverse people or people who express needs of equality in any way, it's like a bad word (like "feminazi" for example), but not a slur or swear
My reading of the scene may very well have suffered due to the language barrier! Still I think the word does show a difference in political beliefs (shown when he speaks out in the class scene) and so I think socialist is not a terrible translation. Casually calling someone a "socialist" in English will also come with many of those connotations that the Swedish "sosse" would probably have. It's just a way to separate Simon from the rest of the school in terms of both ideology and class background, which are obviously related.
Calling an opponent a Socialist in the USA is a common and often effective tactic in winning elections. For some it is an extremely negative term here. Many who use it as a negative term have no idea what socialism is.
I think it's pretty much the same meaning here in the US. I don't think Simon was actually a socialist. August was pointing out and making fun of Simon's (lower) socioeconomic class.
Since the social democrats held power for almost a century, it also has connotations of establishment on the left side of the spectrum,, of the middle class, of being unimaginative or going for the default in politics. There's an excellent sketch depicting them as zombies ("paternity leeeaaaave...")
@@marcustranfilm the rich brats called Simon a “Sosse” because that’s how far left the right wing upper class can think about without their brains exploding. I know, I am a socialist how grew up in a very rich neighborhood in Stockholm
YR was so damn refreshing! It was so shocking to finally see actors who look like real teenagers, relatable, and real. It is definitely a must watch and onwards to season 2!
i found myself relating to willhelm's reactions even if the settings and circumstances weren't, like that one time he threw a tantrum and told her mom "i'm not gonna do it you can't make me" like that's a teenager right there
One of the things I admire the most about the show is the acne being present. I have huge problems with acne myself and seeing it on characters that are relatable completely stole my heart. Take Felice! She's a school beauty and the Lucia story of her being elected even though she didn't run for the role only proves the point. She's just gorgeous and you can hear, for example, Sara telling her that - and she has acne. And that made me so happy in a way I cannot even describe it. Maybe it's a little stupid, but it made my brain finally click and accept my acne and not feeling as if I'm ugly every time I look at my face.
Anyway - I absolutely adore how you use examples of other culture (and popculture) stories, it really helps to get the idea. The use of more specific terminology was also perfect, overall I found this video essay both informative and enjoyable! I definitely will be waiting for your future stuff :+)
I completely agree - and the way you just described Felice's role for representing beautiful teens was wonderful. Thanks for the comment!
This is a very detailed and amazing review. All the others say the same things, that it’s beautiful and that they love it, but this was so different and well explained. I loved the comparison to films and stories dating back quite a long time ago that relate to this plot. Can’t wait to see more videos from you my guy :)
Thank you!! Any films/shows you'd like for me to cover?
@@marcustranfilm maybe Celine Sciamma's movies? Her movies are underated asf...
I'm 57 years old and i loved this series so much. Like you said there is full of details and so close to reality because they look like teenagers. I was surprised so see much social diversity and nationalities in such a small school. Great show indeed and look forward for season 2.
Well thank you -- I feel like I just took a mini film school master class. And you covered aspects outside of the obvious (which to me is the Wilhelm's change in mindset/behavior -- wavering though that change is -- after his brother dies and he tries to assume the royal mantle). I also need to add my kudos to the acting. I think young Edvin Ryding has the goods to be one of the greats.
this is seriously your first video, dude??!! it's so good! really liked the points you made, they make a lot of sense.
This video was what finally convinced me to watch young royals. I've already seen it twice in the past 3 days. It means so much to me, it really hit home. It also hit me way harder than I expected. Swedish is my first language and it hurts like hell knowing what they're saying and the full weight of it all. This show left me emotionally wrecked and I thank them for that. I'm very excited to see what they bring to the table for season 2 :']
I could listen to you for hours. What a voice. So much substance. Thank you for this amazing video!
Also: The "first kiss" scene (at the movie night) is - as you said - so perfect, i even got tears welling up in my eyes when you said "this scene is so f*** perfect, i wanna cry" … it gets me every time. (yes i've watched the season a couple of times already 🙈)
Never seen a more perfect first video! Thanks for uploading it😁
As a queer immigrant person living in the United States, while I’m not in the position the characters in the story are in, this show really makes you feel the weight of heteronormativity in today’s world and the anxiety of internalized homophobia
Have you done a commentary on the scene when Simon is naming his fish? full of delicious hestancy and wonderfully low-key eroticism.
Great video! I was also really surprised at how good this show was, relatable and including so many diverse stories without seeming forced like a lot of shows tend to when the inclusion of diversity is an obligation instead of a conscious choice. I was also quite impressed that Sara is played by an actrice that has Asperger's, Frida Argento, which doesn't happen often in casting.
Waiting for your S2 reaction so bad 🔥
Nice thoughtful work. I keep thinking about much of what you said. This show is not perfect. It is not new. Yet there is something detailed and relatable and underscored that makes it special. It takes many themes and tropes but uses a microscope rather than binoculars to examine them. It also does an amazing job of showing a love story that feel both unapologetically clear AND relatable to anyone (we so rarely see some of the little moments in queer stories like stammering voices, awkward but sustained eye contact or brief attempts at exploratory touch, moments that feel specifically tuned to LGBTQIA experience while also feeling universal and completely normalizing of that experience)
Your review of season 2 , PLEASE!!!
Hi just watched this video! Came after you filmed a review on Call Me By Your Name and when I heard you talk about Young Royals, boy did I immediately add it to my watch queue. I loved how you covered the content, the organisation and the depth you brought in this video. I want to bring up a point too that, Young Royals' dilemma really makes one think what you would do if you were to be stuck in his situation. Being with the one you love at the price of failing to have a bloodline for the royal family who governs the country. It also takes into consideration and shows us how people under fame and immense spotlight, have to succumb to paparazzis and make a statement of perhaps a death in their family or something that really hurt them, even if they aren't ready or feeling 100% true to the speech that they have to broadcast. Loved watching this video. Please do make more!
I really loved all the subtle representation in in the show (besides the 🏳️🌈 obviously 😌) Sara and neurodivergency, august and body issues, Simon being trilingual?!, etc
I can't believe this is your first video! I learned so much about storytelling and I loved, loved the nuance. I'm excited for the next!
I enjoyed your video so much. I’ve been watching a lot of Young Royals content on RUclips because I knew something about this show felt different. Your thorough analysis prompted me to look at the show through a different lense. This style of content analysis/ commentary needs to be more prevalent in the RUclips space. Thank you algorithm for blessing my timeline today!
Great review, thank you so much! I would love to see a color analysis of this show. Especially with its consistent use of red and green, particularly in lighting. I've noticed with rewatching that there are very few scenes without those colors prominently featured, but I haven't heard anybody talking about it much. Idk, I could be putting meaning where it doesn't belong, but if you find this as interesting as I do, I would appreciate your thoughts on it!
So true! I particularly liked how subtle their use of yellow/blue light-coding was! Cool, blueish lights always meant tension, danger, decision-making, and warm, yellow-y tones for the carefree, happy moments. I didn’t even notice until it was pointed out to me.
getting to end of this enjoying the whole video just to hear it's your FIRST VIDEO??? HUH??? you are incredible.
I was blown away when u said that this was ur first vid, im subbing for sure.
I was really surprised when you said that this is your first video because it seems very professional. Well done!
I came from your tiktok 😊 I found this really interesting! I'm so hooked on YR, who am I kidding??... I'm obsessed 🤣
I was *so* moved by this show and couldn’t figure out why. I was confused since yeah, this has a los of teen drama tropes and I’m not into those shows anymore, but it had something especial and you perfectly put it into words.
Came after your CMBYN video, I’m obsessed!!
just found "young royals" and so happy to find your analysis of it. it has really stuck with me, and i'm sure I will be re-watching the show repeatedly. and yes, waiting for for the drop date of season 2! i do want to mention the extraoridinary 'truth' that the actors convey, particularly edvin ryder. it is a prime/textbook example of the "less is more" school of acting, made even more powerful in that it is done completely in service to the character (i was a theater major and performer in los angeles for many years). I found your analysis to be spot on, encredibly well presented, and I look forward to seeing more videos from you. Suggestion--"Heartstopper", my other new favorite Netflix obsession (although COMPLETELY different in tone and presentation). keep up the fine work and thank you so much for your effort.
I have just recently finished watching young royals in its entirety, and I will gladly say it is one of my favorite teen dramas of today. Going along with what you have explained so well in this video, what makes this show one of my favorites is not the story itself but how eloquently it is articulated. I started kicking my feet and giggling watching your video because of how in depth and thoughtful your review was, and I truly throughly enjoyed learning about the different elements that make storytelling so powerful when it is done meticulously. While I mainly followed Simon and Wille’s storyline because of how much I cared about it, (now realizing it is because of a lot of the things you mentioned here including mimesis and catharsis) but nevertheless it was so incredibly refreshing to see a show that did not try to cram addressing as many social issues as it possibly could for the purpose of making underrepresented people feel represented, when it usually comes out tacky and superficial. Often times, underrepresentation is presented as a part of a character when in reality, it is just something people subconsciously deal with as per society, materializing as emotions, not personality traits (a great example being internalized-homophobia). Outright discrimination can be a good theme if it is done truly well but underrepresentation should be nuanced, not put to the forefront of the audiences mind. Making an audience relate and affiliate with a character in a story they have come to love, does more to build empathy than simply telling people what is happening. Showing not telling, and having the audience come to its own realizations and feelings, gives a show lasting impact. Miss Ambjörn, you have done it. My pain will last forever.
On a side note, this video is phenomenal. Yes I am 3 years late to it but hey, I’m here right? I enjoy playwriting and screenwriting very much and look forward to watching more of your videos!
I think something important with the diversity aspect of the show is that the “diverse” characters have main roles and arcs of their own. Felice is a plus size person of colour with acne (usually side characters or friends of the main character) but she is the beautiful, perfect, popular girl that everyone wants to be friends with. Sara has Asperger’s and adhd but that isn’t her defining characteristic and the show doesn’t shove it in your face. She’s able to live a normal life like any other teenage girl but with the odd conflict that arises as a result of her nuerodiversity, not to mention how she was played by and actress with Asperger’s. There are many “diverse” characters in this show but this isn’t their entire personality trait or purpose for being in the show which makes them seem a lot more real and believable as a part of this world.
I seriously love your video! I thought it was like you 30th because it's so polished! to me what's special about young royals is all those little moments of connection between characters, Sara and Felice's friendship especially. And when Wilhelm said "i'm in a tough situation and I'm trying to talk to you about it!" that was just everything. I've waited 20 years for that type of line in a tv show.
skin texture was legit the most exciting way to start a video and get my attention!!!
I actually can't believe that this is your first video 🤯
I really appreciate this analysis. A lot of those I’ve previously watched have been alright if a bit repetitive but this one stands out in that he broke it down beforehand and drew from personal experience. I’m Swedish, watched the show in Swedish and I also think this one stands out in that it doesn’t fall into an Americanised perspective since I’ve also noticed that as a trend c:
Wow, what a great video essay, especially for your first upload! Awesome to see fellow Aussies posting quality content.
You explain it so well, details after details thank you so much, I really loved Young Royals 🥰
Great review and analysis of its form! I know social representation isn’t your focus so much as mimesis but I gotta say how much I admire how this show embraces it’s queer, neurodivergent, non-white characters and gives them multiple dimensions. I also really enjoyed watching Sara and Felice’s friendship and how it wasn’t superficially destroyed by August kissing sara
I don't think Felice has the feelings for Andrew that would threaten this friendship. He is definitely a fallback or even a diversion for her.
this show is in such a literal sense a 'breath of fresh air'
YOUR FIRST VIDEO!!!!? It was really good!
I loved this show so much for every reason you stated. I'm in my mid twenties, and this was a show that moved me. I spent the whole show wishing si desperately that there was something like it - raw, empathetic, emotive and stunning - when I was 15 or 16. I think it is something very special, and I can't wait for season two.
Shiny: *the entire content of this video*
Me: I agree and most of this analysis doesn't come as a surprise to me
Shiny: this is my first video
Me: WHAT
Great production from the start. Keep up the good work.
i can’t believe this is your first video. so well edited, so well spoken, and so well organized. no growing pains at all. you seem like you’ve been doing this for decades. so well done!
The realism of this show reminds me of SKAM. It's a Norwegian show and the most relatable/innovative teen drama I've ever watched. It heavily integrates social media and I think you'd love S3 (Isak and Even's season) although ALL the seasons are worth a watch for different reasons. It also has a bunch of remakes but Skam Dutch and Skam Italia are the best
Very beautiful how you compared the „reshowing“ of introduced things like social media. You can take this concept even a step further… In the first episode you see Wilhelm looking right into the camera. He is breaking the „4th wall“ and connects to the audience. This scene plays directly before the intro in episode 1.
He never does it again until we arrive at the very last episode. You took the scene at 11:17
Wilhelm breaks the 4th wall the second and last time… I had goosebumps…
It shows that we feel with him. He explains that we know how he feels now… We are so close to him, that we understand the whole problem with one eye-contact 🥺
So beautiful but heartbreaking 💔
Thanks for sharing your video and comments.
reading the comments here I'm not sure whether I have anything more to add - although I will say that, despite this being said over and over again, I absolutely LOVE the fact that most of the characters have acne and actually look like teenagers. it is so refreshing to see, I really hope more teen dramas will do what Young Royals did, because not only did they have a pretty racially diverse cast, plus a neurodivergent character whose condition isn't her entire personality, they actually gave their audience likeable and relatable characters, with relatable feelings and emotions, if not experiences. I think I'd be very happy if a second season was released! really enjoyed your video~!
This is your first video? Jeez, you've got a crazy talent for reviewing movies/shows in an accessible way, and the tempo and use of your voice makes it really comfortable to watch/listen. Also, I agree 100 % with your analysis, except somehow this show was perfect to me. Probably because I'm much older (41), it felt like reliving high school but with the possibility of at least being honest with myself about liking a guy. I'm Scandinavian myself, and I think a show about royalty is one of only a few ways to tell a story about homophobia in 2021.
i can’t believe this was your first video; it’s fantastic. thank you for this
I am overwhelmed by your presentation. You come across as knowledgeable and wise, and importantly in agreement with my thinking. I loved the sound of your voice, and could look at you for hours...
just wanted to say i really appreciate and am impressed by the connections to classical literature and screenwriting techniques. what a succinct, well done and thoughtful video essay. subbed and can't wait to see what more you have in store !
Thank you! I just uploaded another video essay ;) just for you. Thanks for subbing!
As someone who aspires to start a similar youtube content like this, this video is really an inspiration. You have made an first video for your channel. Definitely subscribing.
Also I think this was really well analysed. Simone's character was so deep and rooted in so many colors of class and ethnic differences but it all somehow came through. Loved it.
Thank you!
So amazing! Love the style you did it in and the references!! Would also love to do something likes this!
Thank you! Give it a go, video essays can be fun!
I think you articulated all my thoughts on Young Royals PERFECTLY. When I first watched it, ngl I wasn't as SHOOK as I thought I would be, especially with all the hype surrounding it. Story-wise, Young Royals isn't exactly revolutionary or something we haven't seen before. But still, the show was relatable, enjoyable and unforgettable and I couldn't put my finger on WHY. (until I watched this video :)) Like you, I also went to a private school and a lot of the drama and politics in the show went down at my school too. Sure, maybe not AS dramatic but still, they were definitely present.
P.S. Also, I think part of the reason why I wasn't as blown away initially is the fact that I'm so used to watching/hearing about teen dramas like Riverdale, Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars and 13RW, that I've sort of been desensitised towards a show like Young Royals, a series that doesn't feed into the need to shove EVERY ASPECT of EVERY CHARACTER down our throats. The characters in Young Royals simply...are~
you were the voice for my thoughts !!! this whole month i kept on rewatching it and started to realize all the little details that went into the production. such a brilliant show and im sure this will be such a good example for future shows with amazing represantation !!! thank you for this analysis
can't believe this is ur first video!!! this was super well done :)
I'm in love with this show. It's the greatest thing ever .
Okay who else just wants YOUNG ROYALS season 2 and is getting impatient day by day because the show is soo f**king good 🔥
I have the attention span of a goldfish but your videos have me so engaged. Something I really enjoyed on the side of the main storylines, was how little they pitted the female characters against each other. Felice listened when Sara told her the truth and they supported each other. It was just very refreshing to watch. anyway loving your content :)
this is so well said, it's super insightful