Step By Step

starring: NICOLE MATTOX & SETH EDEEN

What happens when the person you had a one night stand with turns out to be your new step sibling? That's what happens to polar opposites Piper and Parker, who have to find a way to get along so that their parents wedding goes smoothly...

REVIEW

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I cried when I watched this. And I have cried again as I write this review. Because of how good this is and also what it means

I have always believed in the potential of Verticals, in the early days of 2024 there were some cinematic gems. And there have been other jewels along the way but also so much nonsense, and algorithms and now AI. It has felt like a battle for the soul of verticals

And then something like Step by Step comes out. And it is all worth it. This is what I believed in, why I set up this account and let Verticals take over my life

This is in essence a vertical story, it is a forbidden romance, with family members causing chaos. But it is also so much more, everything is elevated - the characters, the plot, the framing, the music, the shots, the performances. And at its heart one of the best love stories you will ever seen in a vertical

@nicolemattox_ I don't have any words left. But my word she is talented isn't she. Just every choice - the way she says 'oh brother' when Holly arrives, the way she clearly adores her mum, every flicker of an expression. There is a reason she is a superstar

But for me this show is all about @sethedeen He is extraordinary in this, it's amazing getting to see him freed from the choke of the billionaire suit, and in shorts, backwards baseball cap, vaulting over the stairs. He is the one who will break your heart. He made me cry twice, the big rain scene & the end

@mmactuj is now also firmly on my list as one of the best actresses in verticals. She has gone supernova this year. And Lily is bristling with resentment and a dangerous I don't give a f*ck attitude - there is backstory there and I want more

And if that is not enough add in @haleylohrli as kooky Holly. She is somehow both a little bit unhinged and totally adorable at the same time. The face she pulls when she explains her gift to Parker.

Now advance warning, the ending will make you shout - so thank goodness there are plans in the works for the sequel - I am not ready to leave P&P

And this is why I have always believed the future is vertical.

Extraordinary talents coming together to making a mini masterpiece in a week.

💖 Top swoonworthy moment:

Look we have all seen Nicole and Seth play a couple on screen multiple times. Forget everything you have seen so far. This is another level, this is in the stratosphere. It is brilliant, and raw and painful and funny and one of the best romances ever seen in a vertical. And yes the rain scene is one for the ages. This is the best you have ever seen them.

🦹🏼‍♂️ Top villain award:

No one does emotion and chaos better than Molly Anderson. And boy does she deliver her as Piper's sister Lily. Wow. But it is RAW - no vertical tics here, this is powerhouse acting.

😂 Comedy gold:

There are some lovely moments, I do like the parents matching outfits, the desperate search for wifi, what Parker is wearing for those calls, the awkward one Piper interrupts. It's human and real and endearing.

🎺 Unsung hero:

Holly - oh my goodness. You will fall in love with her. She a little bit crazy. But also suprisngly practical, and totally wonderful - my fave role of Haley Lohrli's, and that is saying something.

✍🏼 DETAILS

Director: Salvador Paskowitz | 2026

Available on SuperPunchy