Sumner Comes First

starring: JC ANN & JOSEPH PURCELL

After a toxic breakup at a lake house - Sumner is caught between hurtful rumours, fighting for her reputation and a simmering spark with her life-long friend Corbin, who may be the only one actually on her side.

REVIEW

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I used to be a bookseller and was there for the explosion of YA (young adult) novels - and have fond memories of long days at home binge reading lots of YA romance.

And @watchcandyjar has perfected the vertical equivalent

The back catalogue is superb, and they keep making hit after hit

I don't actually have much to say in depth about this - just it is very very good

@missjcann brilliant - flashing eyes, sass and sensitivity all at one

@josephdavidpurcell brilliant as ever, one of the most naturally gifted actors in the vertical space, and thank goodness Candyjar are making the most of him until he inevitably ascends to higher things

@_quinnholmes - who does an excellent jerk, and would love to see him tag team with Jeff Violette in something

@sophialeeduh - makes the most of a small role

@lonnypresman owns that line, and channels a charming mixture of over protective big brother and confusion

@milenaabilova who now needs to be sponsored by a lollipop brand

It would be easy to take Candyjar for granted and I don't want to do that

To keep filming at such a high standard, bring out quality hit after quality hit and not get swayed by the algorithm or shock trends

Verticals are an infinitely better place with them in it.

💖 Top swoonworthy moment:

This is a masterclass in chemistry, attraction and then the camera cutting away at the right moment. This is how to do it people. You can create something grown up that has heat without needing to wave sex toys around. Plus all the right conversations are had and Corbin apologises. How to do relationships. Perfect.

🦹🏼‍♂️ Top villain award:

I guess Bryce but actually it is more about the power of rumours, and how Corbin’s misjudged actions years ago have had endless repercussions for Sumner.

😂 Comedy gold:

Adam (Lonny Presman) who has to deliver the line about my best friend and my sister which will forever belong to Ross in Friends and somehow make it his own - well done. Also his face when Mia outs them is hilarious.

🎺 Unsung hero:

It has to be Mia for pointing out Adam’s hypocrisy.

Also easy to forget just how good Joseph Purcell is - a writer mentioned to me yesterday he has the ability to say a line as if he has just thought of it, like Judi Dench, and I think she has nailed it.

✍🏼 DETAILS

Director: Thomas Pallier | 2026

Available on CandyJar