starring: ELLA STARBUCK & DAN HOLLAND
When the powerful Alban family walks free after killer her sister, Ivy joins a secret sisterhood that turns seduction into revenge. As she’s trained to weaponize desire, she’s pulled into a dangerous triangle between a ruthless father and his two rival sons - Ivy will risk everything - even her own life - for the chance to drag the Albans down with her.
REVIEW
⭐⭐⭐⭐
There is a relief when you watch a vert and realize everyone can act. We are very forgiving as a vert audience, but if you have a masterclass in acting like the one this cast gives, it just makes you relax so much more. You know you are in good hands and can get lost in the story.
And @kalostvapp are putting out some original stories at the moment and this is one of them
There are a lot of revenge storylines at the moment and I much preferred this one as we don't use endless bullying as the set up. Instead it is short and brutal, Emily is murdered, and the killing is covered up. So Ivy wants revenge. And that is the plot, following that story through
@ellastarbuck is phenomenal as Ivy/Claire. She can do sophisticated but brittle, shaking with rage, beside herself with grief and reckless. She is so good. She needs to be a star
Everyone is. @holland.dan does an excellent repressed feelings (put this man in an Austen adaptation please). Kendrick is so tightly wound as he tries to maintain control of the chaotic moving parts around him, and his choice at the end is perfect.
@joegrundy__ is frankly terrifying as psychotic Liam. Just the opening scenes where he makes a little lunge at a reporter and scares the sh*t out of them, and is always chewing gum.
@bryanlarkin made me feel for the dad at times, which is some feat given how many bodies Mr Alban is responsible for.
The script is mad and it all gets a bit OTT, but because everyone brings their A Game it ends up being a really interesting vertical and father son dynamics and how much you might lose yourself when on this mission
There are some great moments, the fall from the roof, Kendrick pulling out the Back to the Future 3 chest tray, cameos from @garethhenry0fficial and @mike.kelson.31
It is a more intense watch, but the ending works
And the cast are phenomenal. It is another level.
Kudos to director @danlowensteinfilm - there is a reason he is King of UK verts. He knows how to get the best performances from a talented cast, and wring the most potential out of an often out there script.
💖 Top swoonworthy moment:
Possibly not the most obvious line, but when Ivy/Claire says ‘we are in this hell together’. And then the ending - which shows just how much Kendrick loves Ivy.
🦹🏼♂️ Top villain award:
There is lots going on here, but it has to be Joe Grundy as Liam Alban, who is a charming, psychotic loose cannon. It’s fascinating watching the power struggle between Mr Alban and Liam, as both have too much dirt on the other, and are more than willing to bury each other despite the veneer of a close relationship.
😂 Comedy gold:
No comedy here as this is intensely played high stakes drama. Did appreciate the assistant fainting on Mike Kelson when Liam pulls the gun. Excellent faint.
Side note - could have done without some of the sound effects that were added. Don’t need the water drop when you already have swelling strings / classical music.
🎺 Unsung hero:
The Siren Club and Faye. Because thankfully it never goes down the route you think it will, but stays sophisticated, and Faye is a savvy guide for Ivy.
✍🏼 DETAILS
Director: Dan Lowenstein | 2025
Available on Kalos / Minishorts
