Prince Harming (2019) User Reviews (12)

Takes an unexpected turn in the final third

[RogerB-P3RV3 · 6/10 · 28 May 2020]

Seemingly slight indie rom-com takes an Seemingly slight indie rom-com takes an unexpected dark turn in the final third.

Effervescent dance tutor Victoria (writer-producer-director Marianne Hettinger) thought she found her Prince Charming in former Olympic star Max Bauer (an effective Andreas Beckett), ending in a quick matrimony that surprises her loved ones including mom (delightful Lenore Loveman). Max attempts to establish himself as an artist always ends in failure owing mostly to his shiftlessness and scam-like conduct (nifty intro scenes of Max quickly establish him as a possible con artist).

Max the sloth takes full advantage of Victoria and moves in with her. He also pushed her into participating in his 'avant garde' art installations.

The desperation in Victoria is obvious and heart-breaking when she laments to her friends about being 45 and worrying if she's going to have a family of her own in trying to justify her sticking with Max despite his loutish behavior and constant put downs of her. Victoria calm tolerance and easy-going attitude allows Max to exploit her insecurities, culminating in physical assaults..

Effervescent dance tutor Victoria (writer-producer-director Marianne Hettinger) thought she found her Prince Charming in former Olympic star Max Bauer (an effective Andreas Beckett), ending in a quick matrimony that surprises her loved ones including mom (delightful Lenore Loveman). Max attempts to establish himself as an artist always ends in failure owing mostly to his shiftlessness and scam-like conduct (nifty intro scenes of Max quickly establish him as a possible con artist).

Max the sloth takes full advantage of Victoria and moves in with her. He also pushed her into participating in his 'avant garde' art installations.

The desperation in Victoria is obvious and heart-breaking when she laments to her friends about being 45 and worrying if she's going to have a family of her own in trying to justify her sticking with Max despite his loutish behavior and constant put downs of her. Victoria calm tolerance and easy-going attitude allows Max to exploit her insecurities, culminating in physical assaults.

Deep, intense and courageous filmmaking

[jeromevivona · 8/10 · 21 June 2020]

I am drawn to honest and authentic storytelling. I respect the filmmakers desire to portray real people with dreams, desires and massive flaws. This film is raw and deals with a very complex issue - what will we sacrifice to find happiness? How far will we go to twist reality to meet our needs? When is enough, enough? Those answers aren't easy or clear cut and I really enjoyed how the writer/director handled the subject matter. It really made me think.

The title is dead on!

[dovage · 10/10 · 27 August 2019]

From the get go, Prince Harming has all the trappings of a modern, charming rom-com - full of clever set pieces and witty banter - though by no means overly sweet. Life is hard for this New York gal, though she never lets it get her down, always pushing forward with a smile and her eternal optimism. When she does at last meet her Blue Prince, it feel like fate is rewarding her. Of course something is not quite right with him and we the audience keep waiting for that other shoe to drop - and drop it does with a loud THUD! When the darkness comes, it comes hard, building to point of raw, real, discomfort - as it should. Prince Harming is a cautionary tale of wanting too badly and of not seeing the evil right in front of us. Of being a victim and at last having the strength to put a stop to it and regaining ones SELF. A great mix of genres and a well made and well acted film...

Great Indie Film

[jessicammicale · 10/10 · 28 May 2020]

Great film! Wonderful acting and direction! A heartbreakingly honest film that clearly comes straight out of the heart of the writer.

Gutsy indie film!

[isabeldrean · 9/10 · 23 May 2020]

"Prince Harming" is clearly a very indie film which may not be able to compete with bigger budget production value but makes way up for it with heart, authenticity and great acting. I liked the relationship that Victoria and her mother had throughout the film. Prince Harming" comes off as very genuine how it depicts the escalation of abuse in a relationship that started off as a dream come true.

Pitch Perfect!

[jessicanmastro · 22 June 2020]

Equal parts poignant and haunting, this film breathes heart(ache), humor and authenticity! Marianne is an extraordinary, wholly unique filmmaker on the rise! A timely, MUST SEE film!!!!

Honest, authentic story-telling! Surprise ending!

[fraehmke · 9/10 · 24 January 2021]

Prince Harming starts out like a romantic comedy but then makes a surprising swift turn. Then, step-by-step, it tells the story of a love relationship gone wrong. The acting was authentic, it felt real and I suspect that anyone who has ever questioned why a woman might stay in an abusive relationship will get their answer in this film. Besides that, it was an entertaining and at times funny film with quite the twist ending!

Honest and authentic storytelling

[Vince-490-948094 · 10/10 · 22 May 2020]

I enjoyed this film a lot! I liked the complex characterization of the protagonist Victoria: strong, gutsy, quirky, vulnerable, positive and fierce. There's a lot of humor - some dark, some subtle, some slapstick - which makes the film flow well and frames an intense topic very well...It is so refreshing and so lovely to see a beautiful woman on screen without artifice and pretense! Inspiring and relatable at the same time.

Roller coaster Ride

[alakesh-98583 · 9/10 · 22 May 2020]

I just saw this film on Amazon Prime. I liked that Victoria, the main character was a go-getting independent woman, making life on her own. The script explored causes and reasons abuse happens in the home. It made me wonder ... was she better off alone? Probably not because she wasn't with the right guy, and she wanted someone. I was glad the film made me think. As the film progressed her descent into total humiliation was well established and portrayed. There was great acting.

This film is thrilling and brilliant!

[SexyCinephile · 9/10 · 23 May 2020]

I could not pause this film, it was that good. What a roller coaster. Every woman should see this. It hits home and is entertaining at the same time. Love it!!

A STORY MANY OF US CAN RELATE TO!

[Jodie-80 · 10/10 · 11 June 2020]

An honest portrait of a woman's journey. "Prince Harming" touched my heart. We need more films with stories we can relate to. Wonderful TRULY INDEPENDENT film made by a great female director. Highly recommend.

Prince Harming: An Authentic Exploration of Abuse and Empowerment

[mariannehettinger · 9/10 · 9 April 2024]

"Prince Harming" stands out as a gripping tale of survival and self-discovery in the wake of abuse. Marianne Hettinger, both in front of and behind the camera, delivers a masterful performance and direction that resonates deeply with audiences, particularly those who have experienced abusive relationships.

Hettinger's portrayal of the protagonist is riveting and authentic, capturing the emotional turmoil and eventual triumph with raw sincerity. Through her nuanced performance, viewers are invited to witness the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The supporting cast adds layers of complexity to the narrative, with Andreas Beckett's portrayal of the abuser sending chills down the spine. Deborah S. Craig and Velson D'Souza, as the protagonist's steadfast friends, offer a beacon of hope and support amidst the darkness, showcasing the importance of solidarity in times of need.

What sets "Prince Harming" apart is its unflinching portrayal of abuse and its aftermath. Hettinger fearlessly confronts the harsh realities of toxic relationships, refusing to romanticize or sensationalize the pain and trauma endured by survivors. Yet, amidst the heartache, there is a powerful message of empowerment and resilience, reminding viewers that they are not defined by their past.

As a director, Hettinger demonstrates a keen understanding of storytelling, employing intimate visuals and evocative imagery to immerse audiences in the protagonist's journey. The film's pacing is deliberate, allowing for moments of introspection and revelation that leave a lasting impact.

"Prince Harming" is a testament to the power of independent cinema to shine a light on important social issues. It's a film that prompts reflection and conversation, urging viewers to confront the realities of abuse while offering hope for healing and redemption.

Review by Nola Berzinski.