Seducing Mr. Sterling: The Ice-Cold Heir

As you can see by looking at the reviews and a quick visit to instagram, vertical stars like Eric Guilmette, Kyra Wisely and Kristine Kay Larsen have a very large group of very loyal fans.

However, just viewing this (Purplelight pictures) production as a vertical drama wouldn't do it justice.

It is, but is has so much more: great cast, super talented people, chemistry wouldn't do this justice, there's a real and deep connection that punches you in the gut where it's needed, a storyline that might not be too surprising but is very captivating carried by this team, it's sweet, has a sense of humor, no violence, it's just a story that leaves you feeling appreciated as viewer, with a warm fuzzy content feeling in your belly (and not bc you just had chipotle). And the extra layer for vertical viewers is insane: so many Easter eggs it's worth watching at least two times. Well done!!!

Ok first of all trailer itself is intense and immediately pulls you in and makes you want to watch the series.

Watching Eric guilmette and kyra wisely tear up the screen together is great as they have such great chemistry together.

Kristen kay lawson knows how to play the bad girl and makes you want to dislike her.

Tyler mauro also plays the bad guy well and sucks you in wanting to see what Derrick is going to do to his brother.

But let me get back to eric and kyra. First of all individually they make u want to know what is going to happen to their characters but together it pulls you in as well. They are brilliant together.

Series Review as a whole

This is the series I have been begging for, we have so many repeated storylines in verticals, and sure I have seen similar before but this series is one that the vertical space has desperately needed, a new take on the Billionaire CEO romance and a desperate love interest just trying to save her family member. From episodes 1&2 where the wine spill is used as an attempt at a "meet cute" only to be thwarted by Ethan basically saying he has seen it before, (haven't we all in sooo many verticals!) and telling her she doesn't have to dry clean - I laughed so hard at this (I am glad the male leads are catching on to this plan ;)). Throughout the series, you will laugh, get goosebumps, have your heartbroken for the leads, feel angry and happy all in a total of 56 episodes and a run time of 1 hour and 35 minutes (ish).

The push and pull of the relationship between Emma & Ethan was outstanding, both trying to play each other, both obviously failing miserably, but alas we get our love story! I love the way these to characters were written and that it wasn't as simple as billionaire sees girl billionaire sleeps with girl, girl and billionaire fall in love against all odds, and I have to say I think one of my favourite scenes was just the pizza party right at the end! This series has some amazing comedic scenes, whether it is Ethan (quite creepily) helping Emma out, then running away, or him panic running to the florist because he doesn't want her to think he is another f-boy and who can forget the iconic towel scene!

I also just have to add that the painting in Ethan's house being used as a plot point throughout the series, but leaving the viewer guessing its importance right until the end. I really loved this series, and I highly suggest you all updating your drama box subscription just to watch this one! It has been already called 2025's answer to "You Belong With Me" and they're not wrong!

The Cast

What a fantastic cast! The reunion of the Brando brothers, Aria Capone, and Luca Nere from "I'm The Rule" and the addition of Kyra what isn't to love! Not to mention all the amazing new faces we get on this set, the entire cast were all perfectly suited to their roles and gave an outstanding performance.

The chemistry between Eric & Kyra was off the charts throughout the entire series and these two as a duo are a force to be reckoned with when paired together, it makes sense now why D'Mitry said he couldn't see anyone else in these roles! And despite my brain making me laugh at scenes that were supposed to be serious, which honestly I blame Eric & Kyra for because they added in the names of other shows they've been in, I have watched 3 times and only managed to catch "The secret I can't Escape - a play on TSSCE - and Boss, Behave!, these two were without a doubt the perfect casting choice for the leads.

The relationships between certain characters were excellent, however, I wanted a more in-depth reason behind Derricks hatred for Ethan, and why Becky choses to do what she does! But, with only 56 episodes I understand certain aspects had to be left out and can appreciate the choices that were made to be included.

I also have to point out the amount of BTS content we received while this was being filmed, with my personal favourite being the wicked tiktoks/instagram stories featuring Kristine & Kyra vs. John* & Eric. - both of which I cannot find online anymore - Kyra if you would care to re-upload I am sure we will all be grateful!!! I loved being able to see this cast interact and act up while trying to film this project!

Finally, I loved that some of the production team stepped in for minor roles for this series, getting to spot some of the awesome team at Purple Light as part of the cast was so much fun!!

The Team and Production

Everything Purple Light touches turns to gold. And that is not an understatement, I have said it before but in previous reviews but their cinematography, sets, and overall production value is one of the best in the business of verticals and they truly are one of my favourite production houses! D'Mitry and his team know what works and focus on achieving that, you just know you are getting quality from this team!

For a moment I need to focus on the cinematography of this series, with one of the most heart breaking moments in the series, the "WE ARE DONE" moment, the individual view points of the scene only sought to escalate the raw emotion within the viewer as they are so close, but yet so far from each other and setup for Ethan in that scene as an emotional wreck on the floor, while Kyra is begging on the other side of the door, it damn near broke me. Also I would really like to live in Ethans house please and thank you!

In relation to sets and set design, I loved that this looked to be an ACTUAL office building, however, I do have some issues I would like to raise with Mr Sterling later in relation to workstation set up for his staff!! But the use of numerous extras to create that full office environment, the conference room, right through to Ethans house and even the initial meeting at the restaurant every scene felt complete and not completely under-filled (as happens so often in verticals due to the cost of background actors!)

Finally hair, makeup and costume - FANTASTIC WORK, I loved that Ethans character wasn't in a suit the entire time, that he wore more casual clothing to the office and dressed up for events, Emmas character always looked immaculate, but it wasn't just the leads, every single person on screen looked perfectly dressed for the situation whether it was the office or an event!! Amazing work to the entire production team on this one!!

Leads

Kyra Wisley

Kyra Wisley as Emma Clarke gave what I think is her best performance I have seen so far. This character allowed Kyra to tap into a multitude of her outstanding abilities, and really shine through. I was left feeling hopeless and concerned while watching her breakdown from claustrophobia and giggling at her cheek when trying to manipulate Ethan. I felt like Kyra really had fun with this role and took the character to the next level.

The pain and heartbreak on her face during the challenging moments of this series, really do leave the viewer feeling heartbroken for Emma and watching her tears fall down made me want to jump through my screen and give her a big cuddle and be the friend she needed at that very moment, thankfully she had Maggie to help!

The resilience of this character is outstanding also, to not only have been cast aside by her family her whole life due to their need to care for her sister, her then taking on the role of caring for said sister, only to be betrayed by her also! But, Emma as a character also has to face endless taunts and bullying during the main conflict of this story, and she has to do it alone - with no PR team (I am looking at you Ethan!!) and the hurt on Kyras face during these scenes is exactly what you would expect from someone going through this! As I said earlier, this is my favourite character Kyra has played and what I believe is her best performance to date! Congratulations Kyra!!

Eric Guilmette

Henry Lockwood is so 2024, the new heart throb billionaire CEO in town is Ethan Sterling and Eric Guilmette of course was the ideal choice for this role. Eric can play any male lead and manages to fit the role seamlessly. As Ethan Sterling, Eric managed to encapsulate the progression of emotions of a man falling in love, with little dialogue but so much emotion demonstrated through body language and facial expression alone. Watching his portrayal of this character felt like watching a seasoned Hollywood actor who has been in the business for 20 years, which is a true testament to his extraordinary ability.

This character also allowed the viewer to see Eric's harsher side, and he was great with some awesome one liners included. I loved that this character allowed the viewer to see Eric completely in his element as the ultimate CEO who protects the one he loves, even if Ethan has some weird methods of doing so!

This is by far the best vertical I have seen Eric in a long time, being able to utilise his talent in ways that truly allowed him to stand out! I thoroughly enjoyed this portrayal and from interviews/lives we know Eric is truly at his best when working with Purple Light! I cannot wait to see what kind of love, and potentially bloody concoction the put together for us next! Outstanding work Eric you should be truly proud of yourself.

The Supporting Cast

"John Lane" *Requested to not use real name - Derrick Sterling

"John" has cemented himself, for me at least as one of the best villains in the game, watching his portrayal of Derrick Sterling was truly joyful and a little unnerving. "John" knows how to utilise voice inflections to expertly get his point across. But what I love the most about this character was how he used quiet tones and "compassionate" expressions to manipulate those around him. "John" is another outstanding actor who is a joy to watch!

Kristine Larson - Christina Young

Kristine Larson as Christina Young, Ethan Sterlings Executive Secretary, who has been in love with Ethan all along, trying to fend off any woman who gets close to him. Kristine was, as always fantastic in this series, Kristine is one of the few actors you can thoroughly enjoy as either a villainess or the leading love interest. I loved the use of the side glare and exaggerated screaming to really drive home her frustration in this series. Another fantastic performance Kristine!

Jade Edge - Becky Clarke

Jade Edge as Becky Clarke, welcome to the vertrasphere Jade! You have entered with a bang! I was shocked to hear Jade's American accent knowing she is British (thank you instagram live!), Jade was phenomenal in her role was Emma's sister, I loved her ability to seamlessly transition to the helpless sick sister through to another.

Can we talk about chemistry??? In Seducing Mr. Sterling the Ice Cold Heir, Eric Guilmette as Ethan Sterling and Kyra Wisely as Emma Clarke sizzle...nothing ice cold there! This story comes alive with a wonderful supporting cast including Kristine Kay Larsen as Christina, Tyler Mauro as Derrick Sterling, Jade Edge as Becky Clarke, and Tina Ann Brock as Mrs. Sterling. D. Mitry and Purple Light Pictures masterfully brings a story that grabs you from the first scene. This vertical has been brought to a new level! There is passion, romance, deception, misunderstanding, fire and ice keeping you engaged from the first scene to the last! Sterling performances you don't want to miss!

This series proves that vertical drama doesn't have to mean surface-level. Seducing Mr. Sterling the Ice-Cold Heir (DramaBox) lands as a solid, well-executed piece of work led by Eric Guilmette and Kyra Wisely, with strong support from antagonists Kristine Kay Larsen and 'John Lane'. Everyone holds their ground, and then some more. There's no weak link here -not even newcomer 'John Lane', whose performance holds up impressively well alongside more experienced actors in the vertical space.

Kyra Wisely brings a grounded, restrained performance that succeeds exactly because it doesn't scream for attention. It's interesting watching her play against her real-life energy -she's known off-screen for being vibrant, fast-talking, always on. On-screen, she reins that in completely, building a slow-burn arc with control and clarity. That contrast pays off.💪

Kristine Kay Larsen avoids the usual trap many villains fall into -overplaying or caricaturing. She keeps it believable. Not polished, but smartly measured. She looks the part and plays it straight, without turning it into a performance for performance's sake. That kind of restraint is harder than it looks.

Eric Guilmette continues to stretch himself, and it shows. There's something intentional about how he's pushing to break the surface of a very solid, very physical exterior. He plays tough well -it's what you'd expect from someone with his frame- but what's more interesting is how he's starting to experiment with letting the cracks show. Switching between command and intimacy, coldness and softness, he's not trying to be likable. He's working toward range, and that's what gives the role weight. Seduced me more times than I can count!

'John Lane' might not have the vertical screen history of the others, but he doesn't seem out of his depth. There's a rawness there -sometimes rough, but never off. Always in the right tone. He brings what the part needs.

Direction by Purple Light Productions (D. Mitry, Citlalli A. Ruiz, King J. Wang) leans into deliberate pacing and some carefully composed angles (!) which suit the vertical format more than you'd expect. There's not a lot of wasted space -every scene pushes something. And while the format is still limited, the performances stretch it so far that at times, it feels like it's begging to break out sideways -horizontal. You start to forget you're watching vertical. That says something.

Fun fact: There are a few cheeky nods to past projects from both Guilmette and Wisely -if you've followed their earlier work, you'll catch them. It's subtle, nothing meta, but adds a clever layer for those paying attention.

Overall, this is a clean, well-acted drama. A collective effort, and it clicks because of that. Nothing feels over-produced. For verticals, it's a fantastic 9 -but I wouldn't dare ruin the straight 10s it's gotten so far.😬