The Quarterback I Loved

starring: SARAH NOELLE & KYLE FRAGNOLI

When a star quarterback returns to his hometown, he discovers his first love is suffering in a dangerous marriage. As he fights to free her, a long-hidden secret comes to light.

REVIEW

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Grown up storytelling.

Great performances.

And you have a hit vert (with Jen at least)

This is very good on @dramapopsapp

Yes, you kind of know the story and what will happen. What makes you stay are the pared back script, responsible storytelling and super performances by every single cast member

@sarahxnoelle is so good here, truly terrified by abusive husband Cliff, but always strong for her daughter, and very much her own person with Luke. Because the story of her marriage is handled properly, not for rage bait or clicks. This is what we have all been saying. You can tell these stories, but do it responsibly as it is done here, where you don't see much, it is all in the performances, and very much not done to be sensationalist

This is by far my fave role of @kikifrags - he really suits the more physical roles, such as playing a QB, but also the fact he just desperately wants a family with Eden. And as I said he is a comforting on screen presence, the hug he gives Eden is everything

@lizfenningactorperson is phenomenal - Celeste is full on crazy, but it works because Liz is so good. I don't know enough about acting, but it feels natural rather than performative, and as I said you can't look away.

Also apprenticed that Walt @scottgilbertson175 is given an arc, we have character growth here, which is so refreshing in a vertical

And @benjamin_stender is super as Cliff, bringing the right level of menace, and then horror when Celeste goes too far even for him

Now it is Dramapops which means there tends to be a bit too much sex on screen for me, but just skipped these bits

It's proper storytelling here, and the result is a good quality vert that everyone involved should be really proud of.

💖 Top swoonworthy moment:

Luke provides the safety that Eden needs, Kiki Frags is such a comforting presence on screen, he also totally respects Hannah, desperately wants to be that family unit with them, and always supports Eden’s career.

🦹🏼‍♂️ Top villain award:

Liz Fenning is utterly terrifying as Celeste, full on crazy, and you can’t take your eyes off her. She abuses her position as team boss, sexually assaults Luke, targets Eden. Even Cliff thinks she goes too far. But it is all in the performance, just so, so, so good.

😂 Comedy gold:

I do appreciate the attempts to create a crowd in the background at the football games. It works to a degree, but the crowd do all jump as one which made me giggle a bit.

🎺 Unsung hero:

Walt, Eden’s dad. Because we have something unheard of in a vertical - a father growing as a person, owning up to his mistakes, telling the truth and trying to fix the mess he has made. Grown up storytelling here.

✍🏼 DETAILS

2025

Available on Dramapops