Actors Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie star in the Max series “Heated Rilvary,” which was written, directed, and created by Jacob Tierney.
It is based on the second book (of the same name) in the bestselling book series “Game Changers” by Rachel Reid.
The synopsis is: Two rival hockey players Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) are at the top of their game yet they face an unexpected challenge when they develop feelings for each other (and forbidden love), which complicates their hockey careers, and the sport’s expectations.
Hudson Williams commands each scene he is in as Shane Hollander, and his acting runs the gamut. Connor Storrie is transformative as Ilya Rozanov, who he plays in a raw, gritty, and controlled manner (he nailed the Russian accent to the tee).
Both actors will certainly move audiences on an emotional and spiritual level, while drenching them in a wide spectrum of ambivalent feelings.
It feels like watching a modern hockey-style adaptation of “Brokeback Mountain,” where Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams are our Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal respectively (and that ought to be taken as a compliment).
Storrie and Williams will make us forget we are watching a show, and it will feel like we are experiencing real life with them.
François Arnaud is superb as Scott Hunter, and in the third, fifth, and sixth episodes of the series, he steals the show. His moving performance will make people cry for joy, and his affecting rapport with Robbie G.K. (who plays Kip Grady) allows for more resonance.
Speaking of Robbie G.K., his character Kip is Scott Hunter’s pillar of comfort, especially in uncertain, challenging, and bittersweet times. They are certainly a duo that the audience will root for moving forward.
Franco Lo Presti portrays Cliff Marleau, the ruthless hockey player in Ilya’s team.
The women in this series are noteworthy in their own right. Sophie Nélisse is effervescent as Rose Landry, Shane’s actress girlfriend, who is very intuitive and empathetic.
Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova is appealing and fierce as Ilya’s longtime female friend Svetlana, while Callan Potter is impressive as hockey player Hayden Pike, Shane’s best friend.
Christina Chang, in Episode 6, pulls off a towering acting performance that is both heartbreaking, refreshing, and heartwarming, that will stick with the audience long after the end credits roll.
The Verdict
Overall, “Heated Rivalry” is a captivating, intense, and high-octane sports drama series on Max. It started out as the little engine that could, and it has subsequently blown up into a true global TV phenomenon. This show is not afraid to push the envelope.
Strong performances led by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie give this riveting show its beating heart. They are not afraid to be raw and vulnerable, and their vulnerability is the audience’s reward.
Most importantly, its honest and unflinching subject matter will certainly spark conversations among viewers.
It tackles such themes as overcoming trauma, forbidden LGBTQ love, self-acceptance, concealment and rick, as well as balancing their athletic goals and ambitions with true love.
Jacob Tierney proves to be one master provocateur, where he is able to balance the emotional moments with humor and lighthearted ones. There is an authenticity and sincerity to his storytelling ability like no other.
Thanks to all of its viral worldwide commercial success, it is bound to become a big contender at this year’s forthcoming Primetime Emmy Awards, where the show should be up for “Best Drama Series.”
In the acting department, Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, François Arnaud, Sophie Nélisse and Christina Chang, all deliver Emmy caliber performances that are too huge to be ignored.
Hopefully, this will inspire viewers to read the “Game Changers” books by Rachael Reid, which are absolutely beautiful and well-written in their own right.
“Heated Rivalry” is worth more than just a passing glance, and it garners five out of five stars. Bravo.
