The Boy I Couldn't Reach

starring: CAILIN PELUSO & ERIC BRODY

Emma and Damian were best friends, until Damian's mum suddenly dies, and his dad starts dating Emma's mum. Damian pulls away, and spends his time racing motorbikes and hanging with his gang, but Emma still carries a torch for him, and is determined to find a way back to him.

REVIEW

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is so good, huge thanks to the superstar who recommended it to me. It's full on emotion, and Eric Brody is phenomenal as bad boy Damian, who is carrying so much pain and hurt it is visceral. The writing is clever that he never becomes too much of a jerk to Emma, most of the time her pushes her away to protect her and because he thinks he isn't good enough. There are brief moments of James Dean here, as he confronts his father, and bears his beatings. And it shows what happens when you have a brilliant actor, it raises the quality everywhere - because this is by far my favourite performance of Cailin Peluso who matches Eric's intensity in her own way. Emma may start off meek but she grows in strength and confidence throughout the story, and her confession when drunk that she wishes she had been brave enough to help Damian when she was younger is heartbreaking... and then a powerhouse scene when she steps in between Damian and his father.

There are good surrounding performances particularly Faleena Hopkins as Emma's misunderstood mum but this is all about our leads. It's so good to have a story with this emotional depth, and longer conversations. Yes it is all a bit over wrought but I was totally gripped and I loved it. The motorcycle stuff is pretty well handled - yes there is some AI and continuity error, but considering this is a vertical, it's pretty impressive. And the death race is well done, and love the moment when Emma wins the Spike and the rival gang's respect. And best of all, this is on TikTok. So you can watch for FREE. Honestly run and have a look, top tier performances. This is a good one

💖 Top swoonworthy moment:

The whole thing is packed with super moments, but I think it is when Damian finds Emma asleep in the library, mirrors her and for the first time tells us all how he really feels.

🦹🏼‍♂️ Top villain award:

Probably Damian's dad, who turns to violence too quickly when trying to manage his wayward son. It is a testament to Emma that she tries to find a way for the 2 men to find a way back to each other.

😂 Comedy gold:

None here - just a horrible continuity error, as during the 2nd motorcycle race, in the action shots Emma is wearing the outfit from the first (blue dress) rather than demin and t shirt.

🎺 Unsung hero:

Gavin - who never oversteps, is always courteous, and bows out graciously at the end.

✍🏼 DETAILS

2026

Available on TikTok