The Class of Lust and Lies

starring: BRITTNEY RAE & JARED ANTHONY SMITH

Nora Slate, a smart girl from a poor background, earns a place at elite Kingston University. Determined to change her life, she’s thrown off course when she meets Elliot Paine - a wealthy, dangerous frat leader. As secrets and lies unravel, Nora struggles to resist being drawn into his dark world.

REVIEW

⭐⭐⭐⭐

The title is rather misleading here, as this vertical is as much about Elliot's relationship with his dad.

This is a slightly edgier more dangerous campus romance, drugs are consumed and the focus is on the underground fights Elliot's fraternity runs, with a slightly sinister commentary on the 1% and how men from this group run the country.

Elliot's world is thrown upside down when Nora (Brittney Rae) crashes into it, and their one-up-manship lands them working together on their thesis.

Brittney Rae is great as the outsider who is never really nerdy, and has more edge rather than the standard vertical angelic heroine. It makes it more believable that she holds her own against Elliot and Stacey and then properly fights back against the goon. She also delivers one of the best strategic towel drops.

Jared Anthony Smith brings the bad boy vibes and physicality needed for the role, and then hits another gear when his father turns up and he goes from being cowed to reducing this domineering man to a mess on the floor.

(Help who is the actor playing the dad as he is brilliant?)

I also love Keite Arai as Stacey, again she has a bit more depth than the standard vertical heroine, as she works her way around the fraternity playing them off against each other.

Did feel for poor Džiugas Daumantas Čiras who gets used by everyone.

There are a few narrative muddles... they are supposedly both expelled but nothing seems to happen with this. And I could have done with another episode at the end just wrapping things up.

But all in all it is a good solid vert with some interesting points on father son relationships, plus some excellent Fight Club style action.

💖 Top swoonworthy moment:

The power of a voice message - Nora’s voice note that she loves Elliot means he finally stands up for himself at that dinner, a punch the air moment. And well done Elliot for teaching Nora how to defend herself so she can fight off the heavy.

🦹🏼‍♂️ Top villain award:

Stacey seems to be the biggest problem until Elliot’s dad arrives on the scene. Total piece of work, and endlessly asserting his dominance over Elliot by calling him ‘boy’ or ‘kid’.

😂 Comedy gold:

When Elliot is scrolling Nora’s Instagram and you can clearly see that it is Brittney’s own feed - did make me giggle.

🎺 Unsung hero:

I was going to say the Dean, but he is barely able to keep control of what is going on at the college, and swears far too much in front of his students. Nice human touch but not very professional. So I think it has to be Charlotte, who is the loyal best friend.

✍🏼 DETAILS

From Easyhouse Agency | 2025

Available on My Drama