The Cheer Scandal
starring: KYRA WISELY & NICK SKONBERG
When a secret-stripper and a hot-headed basketball star fall for each other at a conservative high school, their explosive chemistry ignites a scandal that threatens their futures, their reputations, and the one person they’re terrified to lose - each other.
REVIEW
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another good quality YA vert from @watchcandyjar
I suspect a lot of Candyjar and X fans will come for @nick_skonberg but my hope is that they stay for @kyrawisely
It just goes to show the madness of verticals that Kyra (who is well under 25 shall we say) has played endless mums who must be nearly 30, but not had a proper high school role
And worth the wait as she is brilliant here. Between Love & Blood, Game of Choice and now this we are in the Kyra era. Because give her an interesting character, good script, and she has found another level, and is a gripping screen presence. A bit of Dakota Fanning, a bit Anya Taylor-Joy but all Kyra. And hallelujah some dance. Thank you. At. Last.
This is a slightly less showy role for @nick_skonberg - but he does so much with simple things, just watch the episode where he takes a phone call. Personal bug bear at the moment is people on the phones in verts barely even holding the phone properly, let alone putting any acting or emotion into the conversation. Watch this and see the difference.
There is a super connection between the two, and the script gives this time to develop.
Supporting cast are all great as well - hoping someone can help me with names
Because it is Candyjar Shanna is the right amount of awful, it hurts but no scissors ✂️
We all know a Pug who sh*t stirs, and is a bit sleazy (on my school bus it was a guy called Sid)
Again Randy is the right note, clearly problematic but never vert level psychotic
I do wish this had been a bit longer, I think there was space for another story twist. Maybe more scenes between Ethan and his brother which was one of the most interesting aspects of the story, we don't really get told why Ethan decides to go to the Strip Club.
But all in all this is another superb @watchcandyjar with standout performances by the leads.
💖 Top swoonworthy moment:
Conversations. Molly and Ethan actually have long conversations, with pauses and time to linger on their reactions. And because the leads are so good, it is compelling to watch. This feels more like a genuine relationship - neither one has to change who they are, but as they learn more about each other their views change.
🦹🏼♂️ Top villain award:
Randy and Shanna are who they are, but I think the biggest issue really is Pug. Glad that the revenge porn is called out for what it is, and some consequences.
😂 Comedy gold:
Not comedy here - but appreciate that most of the insults / sniping between Molly and Shanna are about their world view rather than the usual name calling nonsense. We have clashes here about ‘trad wives’ and how they let men define them rather, and that is so much more effective at illustrating how far apart the 2 characters are.
🎺 Unsung hero:
A very well judged script which has a few things to say about the fact it is the ‘girl who always gets punished’ and the morality code, but never takes it too far, and keeps the focus on the love story. Something that struck me with survey responses is there is a fine line to tread here, there is space to make a point, but viewers are in verticals because they want escapism, and don’t want to be lectured.
✍🏼 DETAILS
Director: 2025
Available on Candyjar
