What do you get when a Norwegian princess falls in love with a shaman who is part space lizard? “Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story” is a documentary that follows the relationship and eventual marriage between Princess Märtha Louise of Norway and Shaman Durek (also known as Durek Verrett). The couple must withstand negative reactions to their relationship from both the royal family and the people of Norway.
Much of that reaction comes from the fact that Verrett, who is black, is marrying into the royal family of a predominantly white country. From offensive comments at royal dinners to calls in the tabloids that he was a scam artist brainwashing Louise, the Norwegian public was very harsh on Verrett. It wasn’t until Meghan Markle and Prince Harry came out publicly with their assertions of racism against the British royal family that Louise’s family came out in support of Verrett. It’s important to note that some of the context for this backlash is either left out or glossed over, as a 2024 tabloid sexual misconduct allegation was only briefly mentioned with Verrett mostly referring to the actions that he had taken with clients as consensual. Whether or not the allegations were true, they were a contributing factor to the backlash.
There are parts of “Rebel Royals” that are seemingly relatable, especially through the eyes of Verrett. Seeing a pseudo-celebrity like Verrett have to go through the trials and tribulations of adapting to a different lifestyle while not feeling accepted is an experience that many of us can relate to. Having to overcome the shock and excitement of being in a European palace — which Louise is completely desensitized to — is a situation most of us would be in given the circumstances. Verrett failing to remember the difference between “your majesty” and “your highness” shows us the struggles of adapting to a new life and having to learn things that many people watching are probably learning for the first time as well.
Unfortunately, the viewer is easily removed from these connections by the bizarre and unhinged details that are revealed about the lives of both Louise and Verrett. Most people cannot relate to believing that they are one third reptilian. From the opening moments of the documentary, when Verrett begins making a series of noises that he describes as singing “a little song in an ancient way,” the thought in my mind was that somebody in that room must be holding back laughter because the behavior is just outrageous. The personalities of the couple are so odd and surreal that it distances the viewer from the story at times.
What makes this documentary feel so jarring is that serious events, such as the suicide of Louise’s first husband and the impact it had on her and their children, are mixed in with ridiculous events like the time Verrett sold medallions called “Light Bringers” that he claimed could cure COVID. At one point, Louise resigns from being a working member of the royal family in order to marry Verrett. This feels shallow and less impactful when Verrett covers himself with a sheet on their wedding day to ensure that the media company they sold the exclusive photo rights of the wedding to can get the first photo.
“Rebel Royals” struggles to decide whether it wants to be a comedic display of an oddball wedding between two famous figures who share a spiritual connection or if it is an in depth look at what media pressure can do to two people who have done nothing except engage in a consensual relationship. The film moves towards the latter direction in the second half, but it is hard to take seriously after what we see in the beginning.
Rating: 1.5/5
It’s baffling nonsense! There are better shows that have been cancelled by Netflix- to make room for silliness like this? I am flabbergasted!