starring: ERIN ORCUTT & MARK PONTARELLI
Hackers Raven and Blade are forced by a meddling grandfather to get married. What happens when feelings get involved and they get closer to discovering each other’s true identity?
REVIEW
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This vert is carried by the stars. @erin.orcutt and @markjpont wrestle with a slightly mad script, sell every moment where they dodge learning each other's identities and build a really convincing relationship between Celia and Matthew
They are both so good.
I suspect lots of actors who haven't considered verticals before are now looking at them thinking that looks easy, I could do that
Not so my friends
You have to learn a lot of dialogue fast, deliver immediately and find a way to tread a line between selling OTT situations, making crazy dialogue zing, bring the big reactions, find the quiet moments, look fabulous and more
This whole story works because of Erin and Mark, ably assisted by @rileyelizabethdavis as Amber and Alex @diegoescobarhh
There is a super moment where the duo are at dinner and Amber is blowing kisses at her reflection in the spoon. These are the details I love
Poor Frank @michaeljgwynn really needs to sort his daughter out but is the master of the double slap
Ray @justin_henriksen does a brilliant whoops/guilty face every time he almost lets slip about Raven
The story is thin, we are pushing the idea that the leads don't figure out who the other is, and we circle a bit too close to the you're not who you say you are trope
But I appreciate the fresh ideas like the toy stand, the innovative punishments and lean into comedy
And when you employ superstars the whole thing zips along and carries the viewer past the flaws.
💖 Top swoonworthy moment:
Huge credit to Erin and Mark that amongst the chaos and OTT of this vertical they build a really strong relationship between Celia and Matthew, and you feel how much they love each other, and would do anything to keep the other one safe. Seriously kudos.
🦹🏼♂️ Top villain award:
Alex and Amber are a fun pairing, and cause most of the chaos. Some great comic moments, so it was an interesting reveal at the end about what Alex has been up to on the dark web. And I think the change of pace worked. It made the take down of Alex and his accomplice more satisfying.
😂 Comedy gold:
The amount of time Mark Pontarelli says ‘what’ and manages to make it feel new! The punishment of swapping outfits and shining the shoes of 50 interns. The use of one of those toys to silence Alex. Appreciate the originality here!
🎺 Unsung hero:
The lettuce. A triumphant return. Also the toys that Matthew sells - I want one! Oh and Ray who has the best timing and always turns up just in time to save the day and almost give his boss away.
✍🏼 DETAILS
Director: 2025
Available on Tallflix
