Rebel Royals: An Unlikely Love Story

A one-sided and speculative Netflix documentary that lacks journalistic balance and credibility. Its portrayal of the Norwegian king is particularly problematic-he has, for years, consistently demonstrated an inclusive and respectful approach toward all citizens. Suggesting otherwise not only undermines well-documented public conduct, but also feels unjust and misleading. The documentary leans more toward insinuation than insight.

The documentary Rebel Royals, featuring Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett, comes across more as an attempt at self-defense and narrative control than as a balanced or insightful piece of filmmaking.

Throughout, the viewer is presented with a mixture of personal opinions and claims that are hardly substantiated and often border on pure rumors. The portrayal seems deliberately designed to tarnish the royal family, while the main subjects position themselves as victims. This strips the documentary of credibility and makes it appear one-sided.

Adding to the sense of opportunism is the fact that they sold the rights to their wedding to Netflix - a move that strongly suggests that their primary motivation is financial gain to make this documentary.

If there is a single figure who embodies the cynicism and opportunism of Rebel Royals, it is Durek Verrett. His presence overwhelms the documentary with a relentless performance of self-importance and grievance. Rather than appearing as a partner in love, he comes across as a manipulator desperate for validation, a man who positions himself as both martyr and prophet while quietly reaping the benefits of scandal. When looking a step deeper and actually analyzing how he behaves, he is not misunderstood but as calculating, a salesman of half-truths and spectacle.

The supposed intimacy is little more than theater; every word feels rehearsed, every claim inflated. Far from humanizing, the documentary magnifies his role as a divisive figure who drags not only Märtha Louise but the entire Norwegian royal family into a vortex of embarrassment. Instead of dignity, he delivers melodrama. Instead of transparency, obfuscation. What lingers is not empathy but a sense of being manipulated by someone who treats notoriety as currency.

It's one sided, and when Shaman Durek's accusations and perceived situations are this grave, I feel it's unethical to finish the film without a response from the accused.

The King and Queen didn't want to participate, which I respect personally. Sadly, neither the producer nor the director decided to pull the plug and continued to let Shaman Durek go on a rant and present the royal family the way he does.

That's one thing.

The other thing is the editing. In this process they decided to include all of this in the final film.

Where is the ethics in documentary filmmaking in that process?

Ethics is a huge part of documentary filmmaking, and sadly this is a failed attempt, and prioritized entertainment before ethics.

But I suppose it's that: this isn't a documentary, it's an elongated reality show.

And as a reality show, yeah I'll give it 3 stars.

This is nothing but a blatant and dishusting attempt to profit from non-existent scandals.

Durek and Märtha are absolutely unique characters, but they bring nothing positive to the world. The sheer egotism of this production is proof of that.

This production shows how wrong it can go, when people think too highly of themselves, without ever considering the consequences to the people around the.

I'm just going to say it: It is utter garbage.