It’s clear even for people who live under republican governments that royal lives aren't typical. Many find it hard to grasp what those families are really like, because a person born into royalty is essentially defined by their commitment to the duty they owe to their people. The saying about great power bringing great responsibility might sound overused, but it’s undeniably true. Being a teenager within a royal family can be incredibly frustrating when you don't have complete freedom. I can relate to that feeling somewhat, even though my country adopted a republican system quite some time ago. This film is fictional and aims to explore the desire for independence felt by two teenage girls. The story unfolds on the day World War II ended in Europe, capturing the joy that swept through London that night. Among the crowds, largely unrecognizable and well-protected, were King George VI’s daughters, Princess Margaret and Elizabeth, who would later become Queen of the United Kingdom—a queen we recently mourned at her funeral. That evening, the princesses enjoyed a degree of freedom beyond their usual experience, but without any major incidents occurring. What the film depicts is quite different: these two princesses are about to find themselves in some trouble. The movie is very entertaining and offers lighthearted comedy suitable for family viewing. While not flawless—a careful viewer will spot inaccuracies like soldiers failing to salute with caps or dresses that seem out of place—much of it works well, the story moves along nicely, and the direction is competent. The cast includes several familiar faces who generally do a good job. However, the portrayals of the two princesses are what truly elevate the film. Sarah Gadon bears a striking resemblance to the real Isabel and delivers an excellent performance, balancing her sense of duty—demonstrated by her constant concern for her sister and awareness of the situation’s seriousness—with her youth, lack of freedom, and yearning to experience life fully. But it's Bel Powley who is truly captivating, thanks to her authentic, spontaneous, and irreverent portrayal. She's wonderful and gives a performance that surpasses her years, which is remarkable. Jack Reynor seems intended to offer a contrasting viewpoint through his dismissive attitude toward the English monarchy and its members; I understand the intention, but wasn’t entirely convinced. Rupert Everett and Emily Watson, who feel somewhat sidelined, are mostly just there to look worried. From a technical standpoint, the film primarily focuses on recreating the historical period, with mixed results. As mentioned earlier, some details reveal shortcomings, such as inaccurate depictions of palace staff uniforms or the inclusion of a ticket machine that didn't exist at the time. However, these are minor issues; overall, the filmmakers successfully recreate the atmosphere and settings of 1945. The cinematography, which is often misty, and the nighttime scenes also contributed to the film’s ambiance. The soundtrack features a selection of songs and popular jazz and swing tunes that will surely please many viewers.

Source on TMDB