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Plot summary & ending explained

The Royal Treatment (2022) Plot Summary, Ending Explained & Timeline

The Royal Treatment (2022) movie poster

The Royal Treatment is a 2022 comedy and romance film directed by Rick Jacobson, running 1 hour 36 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 689 words (about 3 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 2 characters, where and when it is set, 3 themes and the ending explained. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for The Royal Treatment.

to read the plot summary
3 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
2
themes explained
3
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The Royal Treatment (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 36m
Director
Rick Jacobson
Genres
Comedy, Romance, Family
Original language
English
Studio
Netflix
No spoilers

What Is The Royal Treatment About?

The premise of The Royal Treatment in 292 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.

In a sun‑splashed city where color spills from every corner of the streets, Isabella runs a buzzing salon that feels more like a celebration than a workplace. Her talent with scissors is matched only by her free‑spirited energy, turning ordinary haircuts into moments of confidence and joy. The world around her hums with modern hustle, yet she carries a dream of adventure that flickers just beyond the glossy mirrors of her shop.

Across the sea lies the polished kingdom of Lavania, where tradition and ceremony dictate daily life. Prince Thomas is the picture of regal restraint, a young heir whose future is mapped out in royal decrees and upcoming nuptials. The palace corridors echo with centuries of protocol, and the looming wedding adds a layer of polished expectation to every decision, from state affairs to the smallest details of attire.

A chance commission bridges these two contrasting realms: the royal wedding’s styling needs fall to Isabella’s salon, thrusting her bright, unfiltered world into the measured elegance of the court. The collision of her vibrant creativity with Prince Thomas’s disciplined poise creates a lively dance of misunderstandings and mutual curiosity. Their interactions are flavored with witty banter, cultural missteps, and a shared desire to see beyond the roles each has been assigned.

Against a backdrop of glittering ballrooms, bustling market stalls, and the quiet charm of palace gardens, the story teases an unexpected partnership that could reshape both their lives. The tone is light‑hearted and romantic, balancing the sparkle of royal ceremony with the grounded, personable humor of a hairstylist who refuses to be tamed. As they each navigate the delicate balance between duty and desire, the audience is left wondering how far a single spark of connection can travel when worlds collide.

Full plot

What Happens in The Royal Treatment?

The complete story of The Royal Treatment, from the first scene to the last, in 689 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.

Spoilers ahead

Isabella, affectionately known as Izzy, is a talented hairdresser who finds herself in a bit of a predicament when her salon’s microwave malfunctions and ignites a fire. As a result, she faces the burden of compensating for the damages inflicted. The request comes from Doug, the assistant to the salon’s landlord, and Izzy, desperate to cover the costs, reluctantly surrenders the money she had meticulously saved for her dream of exploring the world.

Meanwhile, across the ocean in the kingdom of Lavania, Prince Thomas, portrayed by Mena Massoud, enlists the help of his assistant Walter to arrange a haircut. In a twist of fate, Walter mistakenly contacts Izzy’s salon, erroneously informing her that she will receive a generous payment of $500 for the service. Excited by the offer, Izzy agrees to cut the prince’s hair. However, during the appointment, a clumsy housekeeper inadvertently spills tea, igniting Izzy’s outrage at the treatment of the staff, prompting her to abandon the haircut unfinished.

Upon returning to her salon, the determined Prince Thomas tracks Izzy down to complete his haircut, marking the beginning of a delightful evening together as Izzy agrees to escort him back to the metro. Their chemistry blooms, and they share a wonderfully adventurous night filled with laughter and joy.

The following day, amidst plans for his wedding to Lauren, Thomas discusses potential makeup artists for the event with her mother. Walter proposes Izzy’s salon, and both Lauren and her mother agree, sending Izzy and her friends on an exciting journey to Lavania, offering them a staggering $50,000 for their contributions to the royal wedding. Encountering Madam Fabre, another assistant, Izzy impresses her during a skills test, while her friends struggle and require additional training.

Eager to experience Lavania, Izzy embarks on a tour of the province, accompanied by Thomas. They venture into the renowned Uber de glares, a place the royals consider risky, where they enjoy each other’s company and the vibrant atmosphere.

The next day, Thomas expresses a desire to make a positive impact on the local community, inspired by Izzy’s initiatives. She encourages locals to contribute items for less fortunate children, leaving them at the castle gate. As Lauren emphasizes her ambitions for the estate, Thomas discovers a guardhouse filled with the donated toys for children, which he decides to complement with some royal furniture that the queen no longer wanted. Together, Izzy and Thomas drive the toys and furniture to the nearest orphanage, spreading happiness to those in need.

However, Lauren’s mother grows suspicious of Thomas’s increasing closeness to Izzy, while Lauren herself remains unconcerned, preferring to focus on her entrepreneurial ideas rather than a marriage with someone she hardly knows. Things take a turn when a candid photograph of Izzy and Thomas appears in the newspapers, leading to Izzy being asked to leave under the royal family’s wishes. It soon becomes evident that the King and Queen want Thomas to marry Lauren, not out of love, but because her family could potentially alleviate their financial woes.

On the momentous wedding day, Walter confronts Thomas, expressing his understanding of the prince’s true feelings for Izzy. In a moment of clarity, Thomas reveals to Lauren that he cannot go through with the wedding, a relief to her as she shares his sentiments about their relationship.

With her salon now plagued by a devastating fire upon her return, Izzy stands firm as Doug visits, demanding financial assistance. She asserts that Doug had overlooked necessary rewiring that should have occurred the previous year and makes it clear she has no plans to continue working in the salon. Instead, Izzy opts to pursue her new calling as director of a local community center, envisioning a brighter future.

As she reflects on her life from her home, contemplatively gazing at the road from her fire escape, the sound of horse hooves breaks her reverie. It is Prince Thomas, who has come riding toward her on horseback, ready to confess his feelings. In a heartfelt moment, they share a passionate kiss, sealing their connection before setting off together to enjoy gelato, embarking on a new chapter filled with promise and excitement.

Timeline

The Royal Treatment Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Izzy's Salon Fire” to “A Sweet Ending”. 12 events name a place, across 10 locations.

  1. 1

    Izzy's Salon Fire

    While working at her salon, a malfunctioning microwave causes a significant fire. This incident leads to damage that requires Izzy to pay for repairs, forcing her to use the money she had saved for her dream of traveling the world.

    Where:Salon

  2. 2

    Unexpected Royal Appointment

    Prince Thomas of Lavania requests a haircut, and his assistant Walter mistakenly contacts Izzy's salon. They agree to pay Izzy $500 for the service, which leads her to prepare for an unexpected encounter with royalty.

    Where:Izzy's Salon

  3. 3

    The Haircut Incident

    During the haircut, a housekeeper arrives with tea but accidentally spills it, upsetting Izzy. She feels compelled to leave the prince's haircut unfinished, responding to the unfair treatment of the staff in the royal household.

    Where:Prince's Castle

  4. 4

    A Fun Night Out

    After returning to the salon, Prince Thomas comes to see Izzy and they bond while finishing the haircut. He asks her to walk him to the metro, where they enjoy a delightful evening together, marking the beginning of their connection.

    Where:Metro

  5. 5

    Royal Wedding Preparations

    The next day, Lauren, Thomas's fiancée, discusses wedding preparations and decides to hire makeup artists. Walter recommends Izzy's salon, leading to an opportunity for Izzy and her friends to travel to Lavania.

    Where:Lavania

  6. 6

    Makeup Skills Assessment

    Madam Fabre, another royal assistant, tests the trio's makeup skills. While Izzy passes with flying colors, her friends do not, prompting Madam Fabre to train them further before the royal wedding.

    Where:Royal Palace

  7. 7

    Exploring Lavania

    Izzy gets the chance to explore Lavania with Prince Thomas. They visit the Uber de Glares, an area considered dangerous by the royals, but it brings them closer as they enjoy their day exploring together.

    Where:Uber de Glares

  8. 8

    Focus on Community Service

    Inspired by her experiences, Izzy encourages the locals to donate items for underprivileged children. This initiative catches Thomas's attention as he desires to contribute positively to the local community.

    Where:Castle Gate

  9. 9

    Lauren's Business Aspirations

    As Lauren discusses plans for their estate, she expresses her desire to prioritize her business over her engagement. This causes some tension as Thomas feels conflicted about their relationship.

    Where:Estate

  10. 10

    The Royal Scandal

    A photo of Thomas and Izzy creates a scandal, prompting Izzy to leave Lavania. She learns that the King and Queen's interest in an alliance with Lauren comes from a desire to alleviate their financial troubles.

Show the other 5 events of The Royal Treatment
  1. 11

    Breaking Off the Engagement

    On the day of the wedding, Walter informs Thomas that he is truly in love with Izzy. After a heartfelt discussion with Lauren, Thomas decides he cannot go through with the marriage, and they both feel a sense of relief.

    Where:Royal Palace

  2. 12

    Return to the Salon

    Izzy returns to her salon only to find that another fire has wreaked havoc. In a confrontation with Doug, she reveals that the property had long-needed repairs, allowing her to finally stand up for herself.

    Where:Salon

  3. 13

    New Aspirations

    With the salon in disarray, Izzy decides she no longer wants to work there. She chooses instead to take on a role as the director of a local community center, wanting to serve her community in a more meaningful way.

  4. 14

    Confession of Love

    As Izzy reflects on her journey, Prince Thomas rides to her house on horseback. He confesses his feelings for her, leading to a passionate kiss that marks a new beginning for their relationship.

    Where:Izzy's House

  5. 15

    A Sweet Ending

    The film concludes with Thomas and Izzy enjoying gelato together while riding on horseback. This whimsical ending emphasizes their adventurous spirit and newfound love.

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in The Royal Treatment?

2 characters, among them Prince Thomas (Mena Massoud) and Isabella 'Izzy' (Laura Marano): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.

  • Mena Massoud as Prince Thomas (Mena Massoud) in The Royal Treatment

    Prince Thomas (Mena Massoud)

    Played by Mena Massoud

    Prince Thomas is a kind-hearted royal who seeks to make a positive impact on his community. Torn between duty and desire, he finds himself drawn to Izzy's passion and spontaneity. As he navigates the complexities of his royal responsibilities, he ultimately chooses to follow his heart.

    • 👑 Royalty
    • ❤️ Romantic
    • 🌟 Noble
  • Laura Marano as Isabella 'Izzy' (Laura Marano) in The Royal Treatment

    Isabella 'Izzy' (Laura Marano)

    Played by Laura Marano

    Izzy is a spirited and ambitious hairdresser who dreams of traveling the world. Her strong moral compass and empathy towards others lead her to challenge social norms, especially in her interactions with Thomas. Izzy embodies resilience, striving for personal growth while inspiring those around her.

    • 💇‍♀️ Hairdresser
    • 🌍 Dreamer
    • 💖 Compassionate
Setting

Where and When Is The Royal Treatment Set?

The Royal Treatment is set in Lavania and Izzy's Salon. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The events unfold in a contemporary setting, where traditional roles and modern aspirations collide. The film captures the essence of modern royal life while exploring contemporary issues like community responsibility and the pursuit of personal happiness.

Where

Lavania, Izzy's Salon

Lavania is a picturesque and royal kingdom known for its regal architecture and lush surroundings. The lavish estates and vibrant local culture are integral to the story, especially as they host important social events like the royal wedding. Izzy's Salon, a local hairdressing business, serves as a central location for key moments in the film, representing ambition and community spirit.

  • 🏰 Kingdom
  • 💇‍♀️ Salon
Themes

What Are the Themes of The Royal Treatment?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love & Duty, Community and Ambition.

  1. 01

    Love & Duty

    The theme of love versus duty is prevalent throughout the film as Prince Thomas faces the expectations of royal life while discovering his genuine feelings for Izzy. Their relationship challenges societal norms and highlights the importance of personal choice over obligation. The story ultimately emphasizes the idea that true love can flourish in unlikely circumstances, despite external pressures.

  2. 02

    Community

    Community plays a significant role in shaping the characters' journeys. Izzy inspires the local residents to give back to those in need, emphasizing the importance of support and unity. The interactions between the characters reflect a shared commitment to improving their community, demonstrating that small acts of kindness can lead to meaningful change.

  3. 03

    Ambition

    Izzy's ambition drives her actions throughout the story, from her desire to travel the world to her eventual choice to run a community center. Her journey reflects the pursuit of personal dreams while balancing responsibilities, illustrating the challenges faced by individuals seeking self-fulfillment in the face of societal expectations.

Ending explained

How Does The Royal Treatment End?

The last act of The Royal Treatment and what it means, in 296 words. The ending lands as happy. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.

The final act, in full

While the story might appear to be a straightforward fairy tale, the ending reveals a more complex picture. After being betrayed by Lauren’s mother, Izzy learns that the royal family’s plans involve selling the land beyond the tracks, which they intend to develop for their own gain, displacing the local community. The scandal caused by the published photo forces the royal family to abandon their plans, and Izzy is fired from her job, with the prince caught between his duty and his love. The prince’s father reveals that they are actually financially struggling and need the land to sustain the monarchy, which complicates the moral questions at play.

In a heartfelt moment, Izzy decides to prioritize her family’s needs over her love for the prince. She returns to New York and refuses to be just a pawn in the family’s scheme. Meanwhile, the prince, realizing the importance of genuine connection over royal titles, decides not to follow through with the wedding intended for political reasons. He openly admits his feelings for Izzy, and in a poignant scene, races to her on horseback to confess his love. They share a kiss, symbolizing their choice to pursue true happiness over royal obligations.

The ending shows the prince and Izzy returning together to his castle, where they start a life based on honesty and love. The royal family’s image takes a hit, and the land isn’t sold, preserving the community. Lauren gets to start her own business, and Walter finds happiness with his lover, resolving his own dilemma about material wealth and love. Overall, the story concludes with a message that true love and integrity matter more than royal titles or societal expectations, even if it leaves many questions about the political and financial complexities of the monarchy unanswered.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is The Royal Treatment?

Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Steady
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Low
Ending
Happy

A charming and feel-good romantic comedy that unfolds at a steady pace, offering a whimsical escape into a world of royal glamour, budding romance, and the uplifting power of following one's heart for a genuinely happy resolution.

  • whimsical
  • uplifting
  • feel-good
  • charming
  • optimistic
  • romantic
  • royal romance
  • class differences
  • finding purpose
  • community service

Quiz

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FAQ

The Royal Treatment Plot Questions

6 quick answers about The Royal Treatment, taken from the plot summary, ending explained, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is The Royal Treatment about?

In a sun‑splashed city where color spills from every corner of the streets, Isabella runs a buzzing salon that feels more like a celebration than a workplace. Her talent with scissors is matched only by her free‑spirited energy, turning ordinary haircuts into moments of confidence and joy.

Read the full plot summary

What happens at the end of The Royal Treatment?

While the story might appear to be a straightforward fairy tale, the ending reveals a more complex picture. After being betrayed by Lauren’s mother, Izzy learns that the royal family’s plans involve selling the land beyond the tracks, which they intend to develop for their own gain, displacing the local community.

The ending explained

When and where does The Royal Treatment take place?

The Royal Treatment is set in Lavania and Izzy's Salon. The events unfold in a contemporary setting, where traditional roles and modern aspirations collide. The film captures the essence of modern royal life while exploring contemporary issues like community responsibility…

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in The Royal Treatment?

The story follows Prince Thomas (Mena Massoud) (played by Mena Massoud) and Isabella 'Izzy' (Laura Marano) (played by Laura Marano).

All the characters

What are the main themes of The Royal Treatment?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Love & Duty, Community and Ambition.

The themes explained

Who directed The Royal Treatment?

The Royal Treatment (2022) was directed by Rick Jacobson and runs 1 hour 36 minutes.

Rick Jacobson’s films

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