The Princess Switch

The Princess Switch 2018

Runtime

101 min

Language

English

English

Directed by

Mike Rohl

Mike Rohl

Made by

Netflix

Netflix

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Plot Summary


As Christmas approaches, Stacy finds herself thrust into the world of competitive baking when her assistant and close friend, Kevin, enters her in a renowned baking contest located in the enchanting Kingdom of Belgravia. Although she hesitates at first, her resolve shifts after an awkward run-in with her ex-boyfriend and his new partner, prompting her to accompany Kevin and his daughter, Olivia, on this unexpected adventure.

Upon her arrival at the competition, Stacy encounters her adversary, Brianna, who not only disrupts her but also stains her apron. A chance meeting in the dressing room with Lady Margaret Delacourt, the Duchess of Montenaro and fiancée to Crown Prince Edward (played by Sam Palladio), unveils an astonishing fact: they are doppelgängers. Longing for a brief escape from the royal duties and the pressures of her impending wedding, Margaret proposes a daring switch – two days in each other’s shoes, a plan that Stacy reluctantly embraces, especially when Margaret promises to help Olivia gain acceptance into a prestigious summer ballet program in Belgravia.

As Stacy and Margaret navigate their swapped lives, they share insights into their dramatically contrasting existences, hoping to maintain the ruse. Olivia soon uncovers their secret but chooses to aid Margaret in this escapade while growing closer to her. Meanwhile, Prince Edward’s plans to be away shift unexpectedly, allowing him to spend time with his beloved fiancée, raising suspicions in King George, who assigns his vigilant butler Frank (Mark Fleischmann) to keep a watchful eye.

In this charming royal atmosphere, Stacy finds herself captivated by Prince Edward, while Margaret discovers a genuine connection with Kevin and revels in the joys of a more ordinary life. Despite the magical experiences they enjoy, both women eventually prepare to revert to their original identities. However, mischief from Brianna, who sabotages Stacy’s equipment, stirs up a challenging turn of events.

A photograph taken by Frank revealing Margaret and Stacy together reveals their identities to the Queen, who feigns illness to compel Edward and Margaret to attend the competition in her stead. During the contest, the nefarious tricks of Brianna leave Stacy battling to prepare her dish without proper tools.

In a captivating turn of events, Stacy and Kevin triumph, earning top honors with medals awarded by Lady Margaret and Prince Edward, yet the truth of their identity switch spills forth. Margaret boldly declares her feelings for Kevin, while Stacy, suddenly questioning her place in Edward’s royal world, begins to step away. However, Edward stops her in a moment of heartfelt sincerity, proposing the possibility of a Christmas wedding one year hence if their love endures.

Fast forward a year, and the fairytale concludes as Stacy weds Prince Edward, claiming her title as the new Princess of Belgravia, while Margaret joyfully catches the bridal bouquet, hinting at her own future romance.

Timeline


Stacy Enters the Baking Contest

As the holiday season approaches, Stacy finds herself unexpectedly entered into a prestigious baking competition by her close friend Kevin. Initially hesitant, she decides to embrace the challenge after a chance encounter with her ex-boyfriend, motivating her to prove herself.

Christmas season Kingdom of Belgravia

Awkward Encounter with Ex-Boyfriend

Stacy’s resolve to participate in the baking competition strengthens after a cringe-worthy run-in with her ex-boyfriend and his new partner. This moment rekindles her competitive spirit, pushing her to take on the challenge and showcase her baking skills.

First Day of the Competition

Upon arriving at the baking competition, Stacy immediately meets her rival, Brianna, who disrupts her process and stains her apron. This unwelcome encounter sets the stage for a tense rivalry throughout the contest.

Day 1 of the competition Baking competition venue

Meeting Lady Margaret

Stacy's chance meeting with Lady Margaret Delacourt, the Duchess of Montenaro, reveals their uncanny resemblance as doppelgängers. This surprising discovery leads to an adventurous proposal to swap lives for two days, igniting the main twist in the story.

Dressing room at the competition

The Plan to Switch Lives

Longing for a break from her royal duties and the pressure of her upcoming wedding, Margaret proposes to Stacy that they switch places. In return, Margaret promises to help Stacy’s friend Olivia gain acceptance into a prestigious ballet program in Belgravia.

Navigating New Lives

As Stacy and Margaret begin to live each other's lives, they share insights and experiences that highlight their contrasting existences. Despite their differences, both women find joy in their temporary roles, leading to unexpected bonds and laughter.

During the swap

Olivia Discovers the Secret

While the swap continues, Olivia uncovers the truth about her mother's identity switch with the Duchess. Instead of revealing it, she decides to help Margaret navigate her ordinary life, strengthening their bond and embracing this thrilling adventure.

Surprise from Prince Edward

Unexpectedly, Prince Edward's plans to leave change, allowing him to stay and spend time with his fiancé, Lady Margaret. This twist raises suspicions from King George, who assigns the ever-watchful butler Frank to monitor their activities.

Royal palace

Stacy and Edward Grow Closer

During their time together, Stacy develops an unexpected attraction to Prince Edward. Simultaneously, Margaret delights in a simpler life, getting to know Kevin better and discovering the beauty of normalcy.

Brianna's Sabotage

As the competition progresses, Brianna's underhanded tactics come to the forefront, creating significant obstacles for Stacy. Her actions leave Stacy struggling to prepare her dish and heighten the tension leading up to the grand finale.

Before the contest Baking competition venue

Revelation of the Switch

A photograph taken by Frank catches the duo together, leading the Queen to discover their true identities. The Queen feigns illness to ensure both Stacy and Margaret participate in the competition as planned, intensifying the stakes for the event.

The Baking Contest

During the competition, amidst the chaos and Brianna's sabotage, Stacy valiantly battles through the challenges to present her dish. Ultimately, she and Kevin emerge victorious, earning accolades from both Lady Margaret and Prince Edward.

Final day of the competition Baking competition venue

Declaration of Feelings

In a heartfelt moment, Margaret confesses her feelings for Kevin, despite the imminent return to their original lives. Meanwhile, Stacy grapples with her feelings for Edward, unsure of her place in his royal world.

An Unexpected Proposal

As Stacy contemplates stepping back from her budding romance with Edward, he stops her with a poignant proposal. He speaks of a potential Christmas wedding a year later, promising to nurture their love through the challenges ahead.

Stacy's Royal Wedding

Fast forward a year, the story culminates in a fairytale wedding where Stacy marries Prince Edward, officially claiming her title as the new Princess of Belgravia. In a twist of fate, Margaret catches the bridal bouquet, teasing her future romantic prospects.

One year later Royal palace

Characters


Stacy De Novo, Lady Margaret (Vanessa Hudgens)

Stacy is an ambitious baker who finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the world of royalty. She is resourceful and determined, navigating the challenges of competition while learning about love and identity. As she steps into Lady Margaret's life, she experiences personal growth and challenges her own aspirations.

👩‍🍳 Baking 👑 Royalty 💖 Love

Kevin (Nick Sagar)

Kevin is a supportive friend and devoted father who encourages Stacy to embrace her baking talent. He represents the ordinary life that contrasts with royal expectations, and he forms a meaningful bond with Margaret. His character embodies warmth and understanding, showcasing that love can be found in unexpected places.

👨‍🍳 Supportive 💕 Friendship 👨‍👧 Fatherhood

Prince Edward (Sam Palladio)

Prince Edward is charming and principled, caught between royal duties and his feelings for Stacy. His character evolves as he navigates love and familial expectations, showcasing vulnerability and sincerity. Edward's romantic gestures highlight his determination to pursue genuine connection amidst the pressures of royalty.

👑 Royal ❤️ Love ✨ Charismatic

Brianna (Amy Griffiths)

Brianna serves as the primary antagonist, showcasing competitiveness and jealousy in the baking contest. Her sabotage and rivalry with Stacy add tension to the story. Despite her negative traits, her character emphasizes the challenges that arise in high-stakes situations.

😤 Rivalry 🎂 Competition 🔥 Jealousy

Frank (Mark Fleischmann)

Frank is the loyal butler who observes the unfolding events with watchfulness and discretion. His dedication to protecting the royal family adds an element of loyalty and duty. Despite his strict demeanor, he navigates the complexities of royal life with a quiet wisdom.

👔 Butler 🔍 Watchful ⚖️ Loyalty

Setting


Time period

Christmas season

The movie takes place during the Christmas season, a time when festivities and familial bonds are celebrated. This period is characterized by joyous gatherings, baking competitions, and the spirit of giving, which fuels the narratives of love and self-discovery within the film. It serves as a catalyst for the characters' growth and their connection to one another.

Location

Kingdom of Belgravia

The Kingdom of Belgravia is a charming and picturesque realm, especially enchanting during the Christmas season. It's known for its royal heritage and picturesque landscapes that serve as a backdrop for festive events such as baking contests. The kingdom exhibits a warm atmosphere where traditions blend with modern festivities, creating a magical setting for romance and adventure.

🏰 Kingdom 🎄 Christmas 🍰 Baking

Themes


🎭

Identity

The theme of identity plays a central role as Stacy and Margaret switch places, exploring the lives and challenges that each woman faces in her respective world. Their doppelgänger connection leads to moments of self-discovery and personal growth as they navigate the contrasts between royal duties and ordinary life. This exploration encourages the characters to reflect on their own desires and true selves.

❤️

Romance

Romance flourishes throughout the film as Stacy finds unexpected love with Prince Edward, while Margaret discovers a genuine connection with Kevin. Their interactions embody the idea that true love can blossom in unexpected settings. The romantic tension and heartfelt moments highlight the importance of love, trust, and the risks it entails in both royal and ordinary life.

🎉

Adventure

Adventure manifests as Stacy and Margaret take on the challenge of living each other's lives, navigating a world filled with competitions, royal expectations, and unexpected barriers. Their journey is both thrilling and comedic, showcasing how stepping outside one's comfort zone can lead to wondrous experiences and forged friendships. The adventurous spirit underlines the significance of embracing opportunities for change.

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