My Crush Thinks I Am A Boy
starring: HALLE FLETCHER & BEN UBINAS
Ari fakes her identity to enter an elite all-boys fencing academy, only to find her roommate is the school's star fencer-her former hookup. Hiding her secret turns out to be far tougher than winning any match.
REVIEW
⭐⭐⭐⭐
It does make me happy that the Shakespearean gender disguise plot is so popular in verticals
And this is a great entry, as Ari becomes Arias to win a fencing competition, but also ends up rooming with her crush.
If you want an example of how to write a first episode look no further. This is so tight, sets everything up and immediately gets into the story. It is masterclass
And we have a great central romance thanks to the two leads
@hallelf17 is one of the breakout stars of 2025, and gets to bring a bit more emotion to this role, in particular the excellent scene when she is furious with Julian whilst fencing. She's brilliant
And I expect @benubinas to get a lot of campus / YA leads off the back of this. Gamely takes his shirt off a lot, but more importantly makes Julian fully rounded, as a decent guy trying to do the right thing.
Ably supported by the rest of the cast in particular @heavennunez as Blair, who like her namesake favours a headband and tartan skirt.
It's a great vertical, well put together, logical and makes sense. Some decent fencing scenes as well
But I think this is the issue, I understand using fencing for the story, but on screen the fencing is not 'hot' and doesn't bring the drama / stakes. I think because the uniform makes it too removed so it detaches you from the story.
And personally I would have loved it to have learnt into the comedy of the situation more (She's the Man is the template) and think cast would have nailed this.
It's a decent choice to play it more as a drama, but then I wanted a bit more heartache, want to see the characters, in particular Julian go through the emotions a bit more
But these are my personal preferences, and all in all this is a strong start to the YA canon of 2026.
💖 Top swoonworthy moment:
I like the addition to this story that Ari and Julian had already hooked up - it explains why they fall for each other so quickly when they reconnect. It's very sweet, the relationship is well developed and good chemistry.
🦹🏼♂️ Top villain award:
Mason is a jerk, and Blair is a pain – but thankfully never taken too far. Very much appreciate this restraint - as just the threat of losing her scholarship and prize fund is enough to scare Ari.
😂 Comedy gold:
The Dean is a hoot - "Rules are my love language" - and then letting Ari take part in the competition because he is so impressed that Julian actually read the handbook.
🎺 Unsung hero:
The hair and make up department – this is the best wig that I have seen an actress with in a cross dressing role. It suits Halle Fletcher, and almost looks real. Top work team.
✍🏼 DETAILS
2026
Available on Dramabox
