by: Kayla Mitchell

PR Manager 

Following the success of last November’s breakout film Sidelined: QB and Me, Tubi released the highly anticipated sequel, Sideline: Intercepted, on Thanksgiving. After the Wattpad-originated romance exploded across social media platforms, especially on TikTok, where it inspired many trends, the franchise quickly developed a devoted young fanbase. Now, with the release of a second film, viewers are following their favorite characters as they explore their new lives at university.

The first film, Sidelined: QB and Me, had modest expectations in the film industry. The movie’s storyline and characters originated from a popular Wattpad story by young author Tay Marley. Marley had no expectations of developing her writing into a film, but after her story reached over 41 million readers online, Tubi quickly picked up the book. The casting of the show drew immediate attention to the film, with popular social media influencer Noah Beck securing his first major acting role as main character Drayton. Siena Agudong, a well-established teen actor, was cast as Beck’s co-lead, Dallas. In the film, Beck portrays Drayton, a seemingly stereotypical high school quarterback navigating the pressures of college recruitment. In contrast, Agudong’s character, Dallas, is a passionate student and dancer, with an established belief that football players are arrogant and unremarkable. The characters’ contrasting lives and passions set up the perfect enemies-to-lovers storyline that audiences can’t get enough of. 

While the first film followed the development of the characters’ romantic relationship, the second film follows the couple as they navigate their new lives at university. As both characters attempt to get involved in their new communities and lives at school, they struggle to prioritize each other and their relationship. Drayton struggles to establish himself on the University of Southern California football team and quickly tears his ACL, an injury that could potentially ruin his future. Dallas attends her dream performance arts school in Southern California, where she attempts to balance her new career opportunities while keeping up with classes and working to pay her tuition. As the characters navigate through their new friendships and lives, it becomes increasingly difficult for Drayton and Dallas not to grow apart. The addition of potential love interests and the stress of being separated challenge the couple to remain reliant on each other.

Sidelined: Intercepted is a captivating romance film with lovable characters and an entertaining storyline. The film is an essential watch this season, already gaining attention on social media. Viewers root for their favorite couple as they try to stay together despite the newfound pressures of other characters and college life. The character growth, relatable struggles, and the adored star couple make Sidelined: Intercepted a film worth watching.