From Royalty To CEO’s Christmas Princess

starring: LEXI LOU LANCASTER & CONNAN AARON

When Princess Gwen Windsor finds herself reborn as Daisy Dumont, the abandoned 13 year old daughter of the Dumont family, she decides to take her fate in her own hands. Not only does she transform her playboy father, to reclaim his rightful place atop a ruthless family empire, she must also outmanoeuvre vicious relatives, and gain the trust of her grandfather.

REVIEW

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Can you have a vertical without a romance?

Yes

The focus here is the father daughter relationship, with lots of comedy to be had as Daisy sorts out her wayward father

It works cos @its_lexilou_ is a flipping star. I got to watch her in action on set. In AWE. Nails it every single time folks. So natural, makes Daisy eminently likeable and drives the whole story forward. She is going to be a superstar

And has the best relationship with dad @connanaaron who brings the comedy (some excellent waggling eyebrow work) but also shows us a man who learns to care more about his daughter than anything else. It is so good

I'm biased but every single member of the cast is brilliant, @jasminekheen and @nikkibrooks_official with every dissatisfied face they pull as they plot and scheme, @willmidz as eccentric Harp Expert,
@shaermark banging on his cane as the head of the Dupont Family

Shout out to @josephdann9 and @chloerann
as the fabulously snobby commentating guests

Between them @gabrielgilofficial and @kayleigh_lfoster nearly steal the whole thing as dastardly Kurt and kooky Quinn

@garethhenry0fficial spotted with an excellent scar killing the King

Also massive shout out to Poppy as Rachel who nails a tricky role, and really makes you feel for her, stuck with a terrible dad and desperately hoping he will love her.

Enjoyed director @sirdannyfarber picking a role that allowed him to eat a lot of cookies. Not sure why the maids outfit happened but will certainly never be forgotten. Also enjoyed the Pretty Awesome Easter eggs. IFKYK

There is a good mix of humour, did enjoy Kurt being literally spanked. We have some Christmas magic with the snowy exteriors and rippling drinks. The whole thing looks gorgeous

It's not perfect, wish we could have lost the pregnant lady / blood scene as a tonal misstep. People I have had miscarriages. For all that is good please stop putting this in Verticals so graphically. Wrenched me out of the story. And no need for it here.

But this is a brief scene, don't let it stop you watching a great family story, with amazing performances. Bravo all.

💖 Top swoonworthy moment:

This is all about the father-daughter relationship between Daisy and Archie, and it delivers. Think About A Boy vibes.

🦹🏼‍♂️ Top villain award:

Gabriel Gil is superb as dastardly Dad/Uncle Kurt - veering from pent up frustration, looking like he will explode at any moment to comedy to taking it out on his family and poor Rachel.

😂 Comedy gold:

Lots of good moments - Archie falling off the sofa, Daisy going throwing out all his clothes and the desperate protest that it is limited edition Gucci, Kurt being punished by his dad, every face Sue and Becky pull. Oh and the wikipedia pile of P&J sandwiches. We will not mention Noah and the maid’s outfit.

🎺 Unsung hero:

Archie’s alligator - sadly missed, never forgotten. Archie’s brilliant housekeeper Mrs Andersen who helps Daisy out along the way. And Quinn who saves the day repeatedly.

✍🏼 DETAILS

Director: Danny Farber | 2025

Available on Goodshort