The Road Between Us

starring: JESSICA MORRIS & RIB HILLIS

A chance encounter between married mother of two Anna, and vinter Sebastian changes both of their lives forever…

REVIEW

⭐⭐⭐⭐

As we head into 2026 we are in for a treat as fans as talented writers and new apps come into the space. This vertical is written by @thelevitationalco of CSI fame, released on new app @gamma.time but helmed by one of the most experienced directors in Verts @mattmacedo

This is by far the best 'older' romance that I have seen - both characters are weighed down by life and experiences, but thankfully no humiliation.or bullying because of age.

Instead we have a really tender love story - now I was a bit wary about a meet cute in a supermarket over an onion, and the early revelation Anna is married. I don't tend to like stories about affairs but this is beautifully handled. Anna calls Sebastian on his chat up lines, and that is when I relaxed, because we are in the hands of a skilled writer and 2 super actors.

The connection between Anna @jessicamorris01 and Sebastian @ribhillis is everything. Lovely they are married IRL but that doesn't guarantee it translates to screen. It does here. You will be rooting for this pair.

I am so impressed this is written by a man because he gets 2 key things, Anna's need to be seen and loved, and then her explanation to her husband about needing space and time to cry in the car. He writes credibly about a woman's experience.

That's what makes it so good, the mature approach to the relationship, the fact Anna's husband is complex. No cartoon villain, but a man who has drunk too much, has flaws, but is also a doctor and has a key role to play later on. @xanderbaileyofficial is also brilliant, huge plaudits to the 3 main actors who hold your attention all the way through.

It feels grown up, we are trusted as an audience to manage a little more in the story. But it still delivers everything you would want as a vertical fan, it moves along quickly, finally we have motorbikes on screen which are very swoonworthy, and plenty of romance, chemistry and drama.

Now it isn't perfect. In the admirable quest for improved dialogue there are a few clunkers. And I've been debating the ending... I think a less optimistic one may have been more powerful. But I also understood why this direction was chosen.

All in all a quiet delight.

💖 Top swoonworthy moment:

It’s all in the eyes here, lots of longing looks. And a considered attempt to write more sophisticated dialogue. There are a few clunkers - but this nails the most important part, that Anna just wants to be seen and loved.

🦹🏼‍♂️ Top villain award:

It’s kind of Anna’s husband - but it isn’t that simple, because there are nuances here. This vertical treads the line really well between showing a more complex ‘villain’ whilst still keeping the required tension and pacing.

😂 Comedy gold:

None here - one of the best bits of this is the beautiful tone that is maintained throughout - this is a tender and original love story.

🎺 Unsung hero:

Firstly motorbikes - never understood why we haven’t had more motorbikes in verticals. Much more swoonworthy than a lot of cars / helicopters that are regularly used.

Also the onion - I wasn’t sure about the meet cute device, but it works - I mean the writer managed to make an onion romantic.

✍🏼 DETAILS

Director: Matt Macedo | 2025

Available on GammaTime