Harry & Meghan Part 1 review: Deeply sympathising docu-series about the love story the world didn't know entirely

3.5/5

In an exclusive and in-depth documentary series, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex talk about the other side of their well-known love story. In the six-part series, they talk about how they started dating in secret and the problems that led them to quit their full-time jobs at the institution. The series doesn't just tell the story of one couple's love; it also shows what our world is like and how we treat each other. Friends and family, many of whom have never talked about what they saw in public before, and historians talk about the current state of the British Commonwealth and how the royal family deals with the press. Harry & Meghan is a never-before-seen glimpse at one of history's most talked-about couples, from director Liz Garbus.

The holiday season is upon us, which means the OTT platforms are cashing in on the Hallmark movies. We are bombarded with films that show love stories set against the backdrop of Christmas. But Netflix also shifted the gears slightly and showed a love story that has captured global attention for more than five years. It's about Harry and Meghan Markle, who changed more opinions of the Royal Family than any other couple in the past six decades.

The most talked-about relationship, which was supposed to be natural because that's what they wanted, turned out to be what the tabloids were most interested in. They haven't had to worry about how to fill pages since Prince Harry and Meghan became news fodder. In the first three episodes of the six-episode series, we get all the shenanigans regarding how they went from their first date in 2016 to their wedding day in 2018.

We have been depending on Netflix's The Crown to know everything from the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II to what went down with the marriage of then-Prince Charles and Lady Diana. But for Harry and Meghan, the technology advanced to the next level, and everything was made available at the tip of our fingers. But how much truth has been fed to us in both ways?

Thus, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex took the matter into their own hands and told their side of the story. On the sidelines of their love story, the couple spoke at length about themselves and their family history until they crossed paths with each other.

When asked why she made this documentary, Meghan responds, "I'm not going to say it's comfortable. But when you feel like people haven't got any sense of who you are for so long, it's really nice to just be able to have the opportunity to let people have a bit more of a glimpse into what's happened and also who we are."

She talks about glimpses that are pretty surprising and, at first glance, look very nice. The first date is straight out of a romantic film, which turns into a whirlwind romance nobody thought of. Director Liz Garbus leads it with sensitivity, and the proper records show how the media coverage of them changed throughout their relationship.

It definitely comes as no surprise that Harry and Meghan drew parallels with the life his mother, Lady Diana, had until her tragic death. The media, as well as Prince Harry, have made reference to it.

Three hours of the first part are a thrilling ride, with every public proof getting either debunked or setting the record straight about the real truth, which has been conveniently hidden from people. Straight from the horse's mouth, the world has been waiting to hear what Harry and Meghan have to say about everything, including their resignation from royal duties.

Prince Harry mentions in the documentary interview, "This is a great love story. And the craziest thing is, I think it’s just getting started." But the love story, which kicks off with a series of intimate messages and the photos they clicked with each other, showed how mushy they had been throughout, until the whole world got to know about them dating each other. Before the tags of a British eligible bachelor and an American actress were added to their love story, they were just Harry and Meghan getting to know each other organically despite being in a long-distance relationship.

I really don't want to say much about the details that Harry and Meghan shared about their relationship because it's just so pretty to watch them talk about how they met and fell in love.

But along came controversies, which were made by the media for the public. This even makes them address the topic of racism, which is prominent and saw a rise after Meghan came into the picture of the British Royal Family. Harry even admits to being borderline racist and educating himself to become the anti-racist that he is now.

The three episodes focus more on Meghan's family tree and how they ruined the play before the wedding. And in a week, we will know how the Royal Family seems to have done the same post-wedding.

But the crazy ride of their love story will catch your attention for sure, and you will definitely stay undivided for three long hours.

Harry & Meghan: Part 1 is the love story that the world didn't know about but should have. However, it's better late than never, and we get a refreshing three hours of beautiful and traumatising moments from the couple themselves.