The Daughter Of Zeus

starring: GABRIELLE FAITH BROWN & CAMERON PORRAS

After witnessing her mother's murder at the hands of gods, Aria believes one thing: gods are heartless. One day she kills a mysterious golden lamb to feed her starving family- unaware that it's a sacred creature of Olympus.

REVIEW

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bl**dy Hell @reelshortapp this is a statement of intent

Wow.

If you know Greek Mythology you will know it is all pretty bloodthirsty and incestuous and makes verticals look like a walk in the park

So it makes perfect sense to set a drama here. Hera makes a brilliant villain, the stakes are life and death high, and the power of the gods and curses adds an extra dimension.

We have amazing performances from the central cast

@gabriellefaithbrown shows why she has become my such a feature on our phone screens, we feel every moment with her

I feel @itscamsworld has got better with every role and this is his finest yet. He is so good, torn apart by what he has to do for Hera, and then desperate to save the woman he loves

Together they deliver exactly what you want for star crossed lovers.

And @abigailstanton takes a great role and pushes it to a whole other on level. One of the most commanding and terrifying on screen villains. All the awards now please

Ably assisted by @andrewj_tong with a deft turn as Hermes, @dreadfulharlot ensures dreadful Daphne is memorable, and @makhyliactandmodel and @sav.annahcoffee in smaller roles

Production design, costume, hair and make up is epic. And there is a strong attempt with the musical score as well to set the scene.

It's not perfect

- could have lost a few episodes
- the violence against Aria is a bit much. She has already been burnt with the Styx water, don't need the word carved into her leg
- a few too many voice overs, would love verticals to be brave enough to trust the audience/actors and ditch there
- some of the episodes start with a repeat of the final scene from the previous one which is annoying when bingeing it in one go, which I think a lot of people will because it is gripping

But overall this is darn impressive. Ambition, scale, strong story and bravura performances.

Very very good Reelshort.

💖 Top swoonworthy moment:

If you are doing epic romance, this is how to do it - Aria and Kairos constantly putting themselves in harm's way to save the other one. Lots of noble sacrifice - wish we had seen more of their happy times together, this two go through it.

🦹🏼‍♂️ Top villain award:

The Greek Gods make brilliant villains as petty, vengeful and all powerful. Hera is the perfect choice, she has reason to hate because of Zeus's constant betrayals. Abigail Stanton is PHENOMENAL. She seethes and manipulates, is cruel and imperious. Already has to be up their for villainous of the year 2026.

😂 Comedy gold:

It's not comedy, but Hermes is the desperately needed lighter relief, and in brilliant hands with Andrew Tong who brings character, soul and conscience to a figure that could be a cypher.

🎺 Unsung hero:

The hair and make up department, and production design. BRAVO Amazing work, one of the best looking verticals. Hera's nails and halo crown, all the Greek warrior outfits, Hermes wings (which move) the make up for the scars. Please take a bow whoever did al this – insanely good.

✍🏼 DETAILS

2026

Available on Reelshort