Seducing Mr. Sterling: The Ice-Cold Heir

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.😬

Seducing Mr. Sterling isn't just another love story-it's the vertical drama we've all been waiting for. Eric Guilmette and Kyra Wisely have insane chemistry that feels effortless, real, and honestly, addictive. Directed by D' Mitry for PurpleLight Pictures, the show is light, fresh, and pleasantly surprising in all the best ways. Plus, Kristine Larsen absolutely nails it as Christina, the ultimate bad girl you'll love to hate. This series hooks you from the first scene and makes you root for Ethen and Emma like crazy!

It's the kind of show that leaves a lasting impression-charming, emotional, and just plain fun to watch. Seducing Mr. Sterling brings a fresh energy to vertical storytelling that's hard to forget. It's definitely one you'll want to catch! Thanks :)

I really like every second of it because from beginning to end, the series is filled with so much emotion and passion, which is what I love most in a series. This project was perfect because it was made with professional actors and actresses such as Eric Guilmette, Kyra Wisely, Kristine Kay Larsen and a wonderful team of professionals who worked hard and long. My favorite scene was when Ethan and Emma first met and it was like they fell in love at first sight. I think Eric and Kyra played their characters perfectly. Eric so handsome as always, perfect actor and Kyra very beautiful actress. I think everyone in the world should see this project.

One mission. One lie. One impossible love.

In a world built on secrets and power, Emma steps into Ethan Sterling's icy empire with a single goal: destroy the man who holds her sister's fate. But when cold ambition collides with undeniable passion, betrayal becomes heartbreak... and enemies become something far more dangerous.

Eric Taylor Guilmette commands the screen as the formidable Ethan Sterling - every glance, every word, a weapon and a wound. Kyra Wisely is breathtaking as Emma, torn between survival and surrender in a game neither of them can truly win.

With a powerhouse supporting cast - Kristine Kay Larsen, Itziagar, Jade Edge, Tina Ann Brock, Juanes Fonseca, Costanza Andrade, Lucia Lobaz, Mariana Guerrero, Daniela Yogui, and Pia Martinez - every moment crackles with tension, tenderness, and impossible choices.

Brought to life by the visionaries D. Mitry, Citlalli A. Ruiz, King J. Wang, and a masterful creative crew, Seducing Mr. Sterling is more than a drama - it's a high-stakes, heart-shattering experience you'll never forget.

Love was never part of the plan... but it just might be the only way to survive.

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!!!