Love On The Sidelines
starring: HANNAH-MARIE RECORD & NOAH FEARNLEY
SYNOPSIS
Natalie had it all—engaged to football star Karl and carrying his child—until tragedy struck. Her brother caused Karl's sister's death, and Karl's injuries ended his career. Yet, she vanished for seven years. Now, Karl sees her with a "husband" and "daughter," seemingly happy. But he won't let her go.
REVIEW
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Well clearly Love On The Sidelines is a good name for a movie as it is the name of one of my fave Hallmark Movies with John Rearson and Emily Kinney.
This one is also super. Yes it is the Breaking the Ice storyline but with added oomph.
Because what tears our leads apart is an actual tragedy, not just an ambitious mom. And rather than working as his assistant, Natalie is a highly successful lawyer. THANK YOU writers.
The script sets us up for a great vertical which is then amplified by the main performances.
Hannah-Marie Record is superb, dignified and strong. I slightly wish she didn't have to be rescued as much but Karl, I think she could have held her own. And satisfyingly stands up to Karl when he is being a jerk.
And Noah Fearnley is rather good at playing a jerk. But has enough layers to the performance that it feels natural when he softens towards Natalie. I also really liked his relationship with his mum Kathryn Cima - there are some great moments in the hospital. And Karl's forgiveness at the end is real. That's what you have to do. Let go of the anger.
Mark Pontarelli is great in the limited screen time he has, wanted more.
And we never did find out what happened to Natalie's brother (Shane Dorriz) who has an amazing scene at the prison.
Now I am a bit of a connoisseur of a pool rescue. And sadly this one wasn't up to much as a lot seems to have been cut. BUT more than made up for with the first kiss scene.
And finally I got in a bit of a strop about the styling. I know vertical fashion is out there. I accept as a 'bottom feeder' I don't know high fashion when I see it 😂 but those suits 👀 I don't know anyone who can pull off that level of checks (actually I tell a lie, Jake Tittl has managed it).
Much prefer when we channel Gatsby with the bow tie and beige suit combo
This is great and you can watch on Dramabox, Reelshort, Goodshort & Dramawave
💖 Top swoonworthy moment:
One of the best long awaited kisses, and that is because of how it is filmed - the slo mo, the ringing in the ears, the thud of a heartbeat. Whoever directed this - phenomenal job. You captured that feeling.
🦹🏼♂️ Top villain award:
Jessica takes it too far, but one of the best things about this is rather than a revolving door of villains there is genuine hurt and pain here because of the tragedy at the beginning. You understand where the behaviour comes from.
😂 Comedy gold:
Logan (Darrell Philips) face at the end when he gets arrested... very satisfying
🎺 Unsung hero:
It has to be Patrick for putting up with a revolving door of childcare, and then saving the day at the end. Smart kid.
✍🏼 DETAILS
Director: TBC | 2025
Available on Dramabox
