By: Randy McCoy
A film that hit Netflix in 2018, “The Princess Switch” features actress, Vanessa Hudgens who plays a double role. This is the classic story of two young women that switch places due to their very apparent resemblance. Stacy De Novo is a baker from Chicago who is selected along with her sous Chef and high school best friend, Kevin to participate in a baking competition in a fictional country called Belgravia. While preparing for the competition, Stacy runs into Margaret Delacourt, the Dutchess of another fictional country called Montenaro. Lady Margaret is in Belgravia preparing to marry Prince Edward and will soon become the Princess of Belgravia.
Although the two may have an extremely strong resemblance, they have contrasting personalities. Stacy is someone that likes for a plan to be in place and insists on sticking to it no matter what. Lady Margaret on the other hand is a free spirit who mostly lives life in the moment. Lady Margaret comes up with a brilliant plan to switch places with Stacy for a few days, so that she has the opportunity to be a normal girl. The princess to be does not enjoy the spotlight but has an understanding that she must set aside those feelings to fulfill her royal duties. During the course of the switch, there are many bumps that cause both women to find something that they did not realize they were looking for.
This film is a perfect movie for the Holiday season since it centers around Christmas time. It was filmed in Carei Romania at a castle and the set is exquisite, being filled with lots of snow and brings a genuine feeling of Christmas. Actors included are Sam Palladio who plays Prince Edward. Palladio has appeared in other titles like “Nashville” and “Catherine the Great”. The actor portrays the role of Prince Edward perfectly, utilizing his charming brit accent to do so. Along with him is Nick Sagar, who is known for titles including “Queen of the South” as well as “Ill Manors”. Sagar portrays the best friend of Stacy De Novo and a father to an adorable 9-year-old, Olivia who is portrayed by Alexa Adeosun.
Hudgens does an outstanding job portraying two different people. It seems challenging enough to portray one character that differs from the actor’s self. To have one person portray two characters is astounding. Although it is apparent both characters are being played by Hudgens, due to her gifted acting abilities, it was very convincing that there were supposed to be two separate people. With each character, the actor ensured to have different mannerisms and tendencies. Hudgens even changed the tone of her voice between the two, along with a soft English accent.
It is a fantasy movie, allowing viewers to wonder what it would be like if they were to fall into this situation. There are many pleasant twists that keep the audience on their toes. It is also filled with many comical instances that I could not help but laugh at. Ultimately, there are many sweet moments that caused me to smile brightly and also brought the warmth of Christmas spirit to the heart. It has an appreciable ending that is not expected and makes the viewer happy for the main characters. All of the actors did an outstanding job portraying their characters and the direction was spot on in correlation with the point that was being brought to the audience. “The Princess Switch” starring Vanessa Hudgens is a highly recommended watch, especially during the Holiday season.
