Rules of Protection: The Bodyguard I Hate
starring: KYRA WISELY & MARK VEGA
Elena and Ace were once engaged to be married. But after Ace returns from war with a life-changing injury, he pushes her away by pretending to cheat—hoping to spare her the burden of his new reality. Three years later, when the CEO of a medical insurance company is shot, Elena suddenly finds herself in need of a personal bodyguard—and Ace is the one assigned to protect her.
REVIEW
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Well this is one of the best verticals of the year. And in my all time top 3. It is that good. This vertical has ambition. It is a pitch perfect love story with Kyra Wisely and Mark Vega
But it also dares to voice a few thoughts about bigger things. It is never laboured. It isn't earnest. It doesn't detract from the story. But it has the balls and confidence to include them.
It has something to say about:
The importance of encouraging men to open up about their struggles, disability and mental health
The need for reform in the healthcare insurance system
The advancement of women in CEO roles
It feels like a miracle honestly.
And I want to applaud everyone involved at every single stage of this who got it made and got it out there.
Now I want to talk about the cast
This should be on a big screen. This should have had a premiere. Kyra and Mark should be on posters everywhere, on our buses, the underground, in magazines. We should be able to buy the DVD.
To make something this good in about a week on a small budget is jaw dropping.
Ace underestimates Elena, and I think I have been guilty of underestimating Kyra Wisely.
I knew she was good. This is another level. Break out role. Her performance is phenomenal but it is the confidence and presence I want to talk about. This is Hollywood star power wattage. This is someone who is so good at what they do you are totally at ease watching her. This is someone who will sell out cinemas and make something a hit.
I'm actually struggling to think of a mainstream actress who rivals her. Because I think she outclasses a lot of them.
We all know I am a Mark Vega fan.
This is why.
He will destroy you with this performance. The scene between Elena and Ace in the hospital at the end had me sobbing.
He is the best actor in the vertical space. There is no doubt. I don't think anyone else has his range, or uncanny ability to pick excellent projects.
And again, Mark is better than a lot of the 'mainstream' talent. Off the top of my head he is a better actor and has more onscreen presence than Chris Hemsworth, Jacob Elordi, Zac Efron, Austin Butler, Chris Evans. The closest comparison I can think of is Paul Mescal
I don't know what their hopes and dreams are for their career, but Kyra and Mark deserve everything. The income, the recognition, the security. They both totally transcend the genre in this.
The ambition and vision here, to have a great script, tell a good story, make it look superb, add good music and drop all the vertical tropes. Lesson in less is more the one time an insult it used by Chad it has much more impact
Quick shout out to rest of cast who are all superb Mars, Ryan Jacobuccki, and Jasper Yao.
A new standard has been set.
💖 Top swoonworthy moment:
I can’t write coherently about this because the whole thing is perfection. Ace endlessly trying to protect Elena, and his utter misery at not being able to give her what he thinks she needs. The fact Elena stands up for herself, and at the end calls him out with ‘is that how little you think of me’. If you want feelings and emotion that is there. If you want sizzles and chemistry that is there. And we even have Ace teach Elena self defense including how to deal with someone trying to choke her. You will know why this meant so much to me. This is one of the best romances you will ever watch. End of.
🦹🏼♂️ Top villain award:
Huston and Chad, who both represent a little more, acting as cyphers for corporate greed, sexism, entitlement and more.
😂 Comedy gold:
There are a few little nuggets from the butler Oliver, and that is all we need.
PS A Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver 1st edition will be a hardback - but highly recommended. Great novel
🎺 Unsung hero:
We have two:
Josh (Jasper Yao) who accidentally spills the truth to Elena, and has his buddie’s back
Sally (Mars) who respects patient confidentiality but is a massive support to both Ace & Elena
✍🏼 DETAILS
Director Roku Long | 2025
Available on Reelshort
