Dash of Fire

starring: GRACE SWANSON & JACKSON TILLER

When Troy Davenport finds out his girlfriend is cheating on him with his business parter, he is in danger of losing his culinary empire. Meanwhile chef Corrine is struggling to run her own restaurant, and has had a crush on Troy since culinary school. Could Troy be the one to step in when a key member of her kitchen staff walks out?

REVIEW

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Right firstly I am not neutral when reviewing this.

I have been working with the team at @rivr_films and seen BTS of this project from inception (story by one @jacksontiller__ ), writing (Mr @marccotter involved) casting, production and now release.

So if anything I have tried to be extra tough on this when reviewing to be fair.

And there is lots to love no tropes or nonsense, instead a slow burn love story, villains with redemption arcs, super supporting characters, and lots of food shots that will make you hungry.

There are some brilliant shots of burgers being flipped, through the flames, and more than keep your attention. Plus the new location is a star in its own right, as is the fact the cast wear normal clothes. Jackson Tiller in jeans and a jumper HELLO.

Jackson and @gracewswanson have an easy rhythm on screen, and in fact that is my only note - they are almost too comfortable together, and this doesn't quite have the spark of earlier mega hits like I Wish It Were You - but you are still very much on the hands of pros who deliver everything, and the final scenes of celebration are adorable.

But my favourite bits are the supporting roles.

One of my fave performances ever by @beccabjerg who is so good at playing villain with a raised eyebrow or snarky comment you forget how good she is. Give her a bit more here and wow. The scene where a Julian pushes her, and you see the realization, humiliation, pulling herself together, putting a brave face on and then humility is amazing - so much in just one scene.

@bryant_da_cellist as Manny and @dianajurand
As Tessa also nearly steal the show, just want to spend lots more time with them. Their reactions to all the drama are the best like Tessa opening the locked room, and Manny's reaction to tempestuous Hector

Love @aa_antoni as Hector and that he is not the cardboard cut out villain, just hot tempered and trying to find his own way.

And then the one cardboard cut out villain, which we do need in a vertical is Dastardly Julian who brings in the fake inspector @sirdannyfarber

Also love @timcharronband as the host - he has the patter.

It's fresh, new and good enjoyable fun on @shortical

💖 Top swoonworthy moment:

I am a little thrown, as we know Grace and Jackson are a great pairing, but the chemistry felt a tiny bit flat here, maybe they know each other too well? But there are also some lovely moments, the contrast between Troy supporting Corrine and Julian shouting at Hector is striking. His quiet support and confidence in Corrine is wonderful.

🦹🏼‍♂️ Top villain award:

We think it is Julian and Elena, but in a brilliant final few episodes, we see it is mainly Julian, and there is an extraordinary scene where Elena is humbled and has to pick herself up and carry on. Rebecca Berg is phenomenal.

😂 Comedy gold:

The double act of Manny and Tessa needs to be studied. Obsessed with them both, watching all the chaos unfold at the restaurant, and taking it all in their stride. MORE PLEASE Also Mr Farber's cameo as a fake restaurant inspector made me giggle.

🎺 Unsung hero:

Knoxville, Tennessee - so good seeing new locations in verticals, some stunning backdrops, the mural painted wall, the bridge, Corrine's Corner itself. Also loved Tim Charron as the Dash of Fire host – give that man a TV show.

✍🏼 DETAILS

Director: Danny Farber | 2026

Available on Shortical