Rumor Has It
starring: ALEXANDRA COOK & WILL ANTENBRING
To save her orphanage from demolition, Lila crashes a billionaire's gala, and accidentally sparks a steamy elevator scandal with the elusive CEO. To keep up the lie, she leans on her charming "assistant," never guessing he's actually the man behind both the rumors…
REVIEW
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This is a hidden gem on Kalos / Minishorts. Please do yourself a favor, run and watch it now.
I feel a bit harsh writing this but we know there is a bit of a model to acting train in verticals, and the success can vary. It's fine most of the time, but when you then watch a great script in the hands of a cast who all have a pedigree acting background… wow.
I've realized this has Pride and Prejudice vibes, and the vertical elitism fits so well in the UK as we do still have the class system. Don't tell me we don't. I went to Cambridge Uni, it is there.
Alexandra Cook is brilliant as Lila, giving Lizzie B vibes with her assumptions about the Vaughan family, passion and drive. And Lila totally turns Henry's world on its head, challenging him to think, question and find better ways to do things.
Will Antenbring is astonishing as Henry. I can't remember seeing such a big character arc on screen for a male lead and that is down to the actor. He totally draws you in and makes you feel every emotion. It's like a body blow when Lila rejects Henry. This is acting people. Just wow.
The pair of them are total stars and backed up by superb supports.
Camille Koefoed keeps you guessing with Helen, is she helping, is she manipulating?
And then has a perfect end line 'you never even saw me' which matches that single tear from Clare Wilkie as Henry's mum. Because of their skills we understand their actions and even feel for them.
Simon Polo-Clarke gives the best ever breakdown and performance of a vertical elite. He oozes classism, entitlement & disdain. With no slaps. A masterclass.
Run and watch now.
💖 Top swoonworthy moment:
This is the most perfect romance, because both are flawed and become better people because of the other one. Lila does jump to assumptions. And Henry is callow. But oh my goodness, once Lila opens his eyes it is amazing. And he loves her so so so much. If you want a reserved British man pining - watch this. Definite Mr Darcy vibes. RUN AND WATCH.
🦹🏼♂️ Top villain award:
This is superbly written, so all the characters have nuance and layers. We understand why Henry’s mum is pushing for him because she has suffered and clawed her way up. And Victor Rivers is the best ever portrayal of on screen elitism, because it fits perfectly with the British class system, which is still there, and the stellar performance by Simon Polo-Clarke.
😂 Comedy gold:
Lila’s interviews for an assistant - loving the girl in green on her phone with the line “I don't really dig the whole single sided interview thing. I think it is toxic”.
🎺 Unsung hero:
The writers - Bacon Hill Creative. Looking for elevated verticals that are beautifully written, have something to say, no wasted words and an absolute gift for the cast, crew and viewers? Look no further.
✍🏼 DETAILS
Directors Hǎo Zhìzǐ and Hui Zhang | 2025
Available on Kalos / Minishorts
