starring: MAGGIE ARIAS & MARC COTTER
To pay off her debts, salesgirl Lily agrees to impersonate CEO William’s long-lost sister to comfort his dying grandmother. Through the dramatic makeover, the ugly duckling transforms into a graceful swan. But as Lily and her ‘brother’ William fall for each other, their forbidden love is torn apart by their fake sibling bond.
REVIEW
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Firstly is it 24 years since the Princess Diaries movie came out 😲😲😲
And this has a few nods, notably with @maggie.arias as our lead, because there is an Anne Hathaway resemblance.
But a closer comparison is Lights Camera Action, as we start off with the same set up, though the middle part and ending are quite different
It's a fun mix of light hearted moments, some proper yearning with a good forbidden set up (we don't want to make Grandma ill), on screen heat, and then full on melodrama in the last 15 episodes. Perfectly captures the spirit of a slightly unhinged K Drama which I love
@maggie.arias is super, Lily is no pushover, and calls William out when needed, and brings the lighter moments at the beginning....I felt for her and the lack of carbs in her meals.
@marccotter does a good repressed CEO who is desperately trying to protect Lily and keeps things on track until the chemistry boils over and he can't keep away anymore
Also bravo for standing in that rain so long....
Zach Davis as Oliver almost manages to steal Lily away
@lesdirectly is utterly adorable as Grandma though I do think the final trick was a bit mean, and made me jump even though I guessed it was coming
@ashleydakinactress is super as Grace, again appreciate that this isn't overwritten, and the added detail of the ballet back story
And a shout out to Todd @wheat.anderson for arranging bail, another invaluable CEO's assistant
They are some clunky lines, and I do like a bit of comedy, and think there was potential to lean a bit more into this.
But all in all a good solid vertical, very enjoyable from @idealiprojects
💖 Top swoonworthy moment:
Perfect blend of buttoned up tension from William and easy going charisma from Lily. Lots of chemistry, and big melodramatic moments, especially at the end when everything goes up a notch. We have Lily pulling away because she thinks she is to blame for Grandma, and William dragged away in prison begging her to wait for him.
🦹🏼♂️ Top villain award:
Grace is pretty bad, but I am giving it to Uncle Henry. Don’t go after Grandma. You went too far. Also all the little details that are added in like Uncle Henry ogling that waitress and his face when he is arrested.
😂 Comedy gold:
The trio of ladies slapping Oliver is very well done. Also love Lily’s bestie coming out of the bathroom to drop her toothbrush and exclaim “You’re boning the enemy!!”.
🎺 Unsung hero:
Ah Oliver the classic K Drama second male lead. Lily was never for you. We know there is more heart and feeling than you let on beneath the swagger. And still he comes through at the end and helps out again and again.
✍🏼 DETAILS
2025
Available on Kalos / Dramabox
