Life Is Not A Game

starring: HALLE FLETCHER & NOAH ANDRE

A shy teenage gamer has spent years pretending to be a boy online, building a close bond with her teammate, Jupiter- who is actually TJ, the popular jock she secretly likes at school. When their esports team qualifies for a live tournament, her secret identity begins to unravel, threatening her friendships, her team, and her first love.

REVIEW

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Can we take a moment to salute @watchcandyjar

They have carved out an unparalleled and impeccable niche for quality YA verticals. They have filled the gap that the much missed old CW network left, and are the best channel / network / app / platform for YA content.

They have an astonishing record for finding amazing new talent, or bringing the very best out of current vertical actors. Best ever performances by @emmareinagel @hallelf17 and @noahandre_ here

Plus they stories to be proud of. Characters discuss consent, there is no promotion of toxic behaviours or rage bait violence. One of the best moments here is when TJ just wants to hold Charlotte.

Honestly networks, filmmakers and streamers should study Candyjar

And this is flipping brilliant. Yes it made me cry

Because it perfectly captures the hurt of all the characters at the end, TJ at feeling betrayed by his team mates, Tracey feeling used, and Charlotte in an impossible position thanks to a last decision.

@hallelf17 is extraordinary. This has to be one of the best performances ever in any vertical - just the body language, the pauses, the way she pulls her sleeve down. As someone ridiculously shy at school, and who is still finds a lot of big social things hard I felt so seen

@noahandre_ again utterly brilliant. It's a quieter role, but helped by the fact that he actually looks like most teenagers around here (that is the hairstyle they all have). Again a presence and stillness. So so good

And @emmareinagel so deserves this role, she has been doing great stuff with scripts I haven't felt were up to her talents. She is superb in this, the best friend you want, takes no crap sister, and Neptune's crush

Which brings me to Neptune who is also brilliant, holds the whole story together, and HOORAY gets the girl - I can't find who the actor is, help!

So yes I love this. It is superb. And will be making the teens watch it at some point. Which is actually the highest praise I can give. Something I am proud to show them.

💖 Top swoonworthy moment:

This is the best portrayal I have ever seen in a vertical of a shy, introvert female lead. I suspect many of us who watch verts are Charlotte, and this perfectly captures the silent watching, overthinking, and tentative steps to find friends. So it is everything when we find out TJ has seen her, and is interested in her inner world. It's so good – every single moment is perfect.

🦹🏼‍♂️ Top villain award:

TJ's ex Sadie has a few lines, but it is much more about Charlotte overcoming her lack of confidence, and telling TJ the truth, and trying not to hurt new friend Tracey.

😂 Comedy gold:

Emma Reinagel nails it as Tracey, she is the best friend you want, you feel her hurt at being used to get to TJ time and again, plus she brings the sibling energy when calling out TJ. She has to be one of the best newer vertical actresses out there, and finally a script living up to her talents.

🎺 Unsung hero:

Neptune who is caught between Charlotte and TJ, does his best for everyone, is even tempered about it all even when it affects his chance of getting to the tournament and going pro. Thank goodness he gets his girl at the end.

✍🏼 DETAILS

2026

Available on CandyJar