Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mature themes, language in docu about royal couple.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story
What's the Story?
When Princess Martha Louise of Norway announced her relationship with Black American shaman Durek Verrett in 2019, Norwegians disapproved, as told in the documentary REBEL ROYALS: AN UNLIKELY LOVE STORY. The film follows Martha Louise and Verrett as they explain how they met, the shared spirituality that drew them to each other, their personal histories, and the harsh treatment and racism they experienced through the Norwegian press. Journalists, friends, and some family members are also interviewed.
Is It Any Good?
This film's hook is the uniqueness of a Scandinavian princess marrying a bisexual Black American shaman, but, like Harry & Meghan before it, it only truly offers one side of the story. Netflix is surely hoping to repeat the success of that popular series with Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story—and it's likely that the film will provide welcome fodder for European royal watchers, enthusiasts, and general looky-loos.
But it would have been so much more interesting to hear contrasting views of the story, or at least get other perspectives (one journalist and a few on-the-street interviews are offered to explain Norwegian criticism of the coupling). Less fawning adoration and deeper critical consideration of Norwegian society and the protagonists' backgrounds would have made for a more interesting and serious piece. But constructed the way it is, 95 minutes of the love story, no matter how unlikely, is plenty.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the treatment that Durek Verrett and Princess Martha received in Norway when they announced their relationship, as described in Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story. Did it surprise you? Why, or why not?
What about this love story and its characters makes it "unlikely"?
What role does social media play in this story? What are the pros and cons of social media, in your opinion?
Do you think this film tells the couple's full story? Why, or why not? If not, what else would you want to see added?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 16, 2025
- Cast : Märtha Louise , Durek Verrett
- Director : Rebecca Chaiklin
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , African American Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Royalty ( Princesses )
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 16, 2025
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