This week we go on a date to see PEOPLE WE MEET ON VACATION

We also discuss:

• Golden Globes winners
• Housemaid sequel
• Euphoria trailer
• New ice skating show 'Finding her edge'

Adapted from Emily Henry’s #1 New York Times bestselling novel, People We Meet on Vacation is a Netflix original film that captures the decade-long, secret "friends-to-lovers" romance between polar opposites Poppy Wright and Alex Nilsen. Led by director Brett Haley (Hearts Beat Loud), who brings his signature grounded, character-driven intimacy to the story, the production was brought to life by Temple Hill Entertainment. To ensure the adaptation stayed true to the witty banter and emotional depth of the source material, Emily Henry served as an executive producer, while the screenplay was penned by Yulin Kuang (Beach Read), along with Amos Vernon and Nunzio Randazzo.

The film features a breakout cast led by Emily Bader (My Lady Jane) as the vibrant, chaotic Poppy and Tom Blyth (The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) as the reserved, routine-oriented Alex. The ensemble is rounded out by Jameela Jamil as Poppy’s high-fashion mentor Swapna and Sarah Catherine Hook as Alex's high-school sweetheart Sarah, whose presence provides a poignant look at the difficulty of outgrowing the people you once loved. Celebrated for its lush international cinematography and electric chemistry between the leads, the movie has been hailed for its raw intimacy and its ability to balance lighthearted travel comedy with a deeply resonant narrative about finding home in a person.

Article on Poppy's outfits

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Welcome to Solo Movie Dates, where we are covering all episodes of Heated Rivalry.

In this episode we go into some behind the scenes production information before deep diving into episode one

Episode 1: Rookies

The long-guarded walls between Shane and Ilya finally crumble as they retreat to Shane's cottage to build a future on their own terms. After a summer of mutual fidelity and painful admissions regarding Ilya’s past trauma, the pair moves beyond survival tactics to true partnership. Rejecting a plan for a marriage of convenience, Shane proposes a bold path forward: a public "rivalry-turned-friendship," the launch of a joint charity, and a trade that brings Ilya closer to him geographically. This newfound commitment is immediately tested when Shane’s father discovers them together, forcing a vulnerable but successful coming-out moment with his parents. The journey concludes with the pair driving back to their sanctuary, finally able to claim the titles of "boyfriends" and face the world as a united front.

Heated Rivalry

Adapted from Rachel Reid’s bestselling Game Changers novels, Heated Rivalry is an HBO Max and Crave original series that explores the decade-long, secret "enemies-to-lovers" romance between professional hockey icons Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Led by award-winning showrunner Jacob Tierney (Letterkenny, Shoresy), who wrote and directed the season, the production was brought to life by Accent Aigu Entertainment. To ensure the adaptation stayed true to the emotional depth of the source material, Rachel Reid served as a consulting producer, helping to translate the gritty, high-stakes world of the MLH from the page to the screen.

The series features a breakout cast led by Hudson Williams as the disciplined Canadian captain Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as the complex Russian superstar Ilya Rozanov. The ensemble is rounded out by François Arnaud as the veteran Scott Hunter and Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady, whose parallel storyline provides a poignant look at the personal costs of the closet. Celebrated for its authentic "Canadianness" and groundbreaking representation of queer athletes, the show has been hailed for its raw intimacy and its ability to balance intense sports drama with a deeply character-driven narrative.

Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie Dates

Support the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Solo Movie Dates, where we are covering all episodes of Heated Rivalry.

Today we delve into Episode 2.

Episode 2: Olympians

After 2 years of texting, we're in the fall of 2013. Shane and Ilya finally meet up again. However, the high-pressure atmosphere of the 2014 Sochi Olympics drives a wedge between them, as a crushing loss on the ice leads Ilya to retreat into a cold, protective silence. Despite Shane’s attempts to offer support amidst the risks of navigating a conservative Russian landscape and overbearing family expectations, their connection remains fractured. Even a championship victory and a heated summer reunion at the MLH awards can't bridge the gap, as Ilya’s emotional walls leave Shane questioning if their physical spark is enough to survive the weight of the closet.

Heated Rivalry

Adapted from Rachel Reid’s bestselling Game Changers novels, Heated Rivalry is an HBO Max and Crave original series that explores the decade-long, secret "enemies-to-lovers" romance between professional hockey icons Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Led by award-winning showrunner Jacob Tierney (Letterkenny, Shoresy), who wrote and directed the season, the production was brought to life by Accent Aigu Entertainment. To ensure the adaptation stayed true to the emotional depth of the source material, Rachel Reid served as a consulting producer, helping to translate the gritty, high-stakes world of the MLH from the page to the screen.

The series features a breakout cast led by Hudson Williams as the disciplined Canadian captain Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as the complex Russian superstar Ilya Rozanov. The ensemble is rounded out by François Arnaud as the veteran Scott Hunter and Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady, whose parallel storyline provides a poignant look at the personal costs of the closet. Celebrated for its authentic "Canadianness" and groundbreaking representation of queer athletes, the show has been hailed for its raw intimacy and its ability to balance intense sports drama with a deeply character-driven narrative.

Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie Dates

Support the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Solo Movie Dates, where we are covering all episodes of Heated Rivalry.

Today we delve into Episode 3.

Episode 3: Hunter

Superstition and secrets collide when hockey star Scott attempts to break a scoring slump by visiting a local smoothie shop. What begins as a lucky pre-game ritual with an employee named Kip quickly evolves into a whirlwind romance, leading the two to move in together after just one night. However, the honeymoon phase is short-lived. As Scott struggles with his temper on the ice and the weight of his tragic past as an orphan, his refusal to step out of the closet begins to take a toll on Kip’s self-worth. The tension reaches a breaking point on Kip’s birthday; when Scott’s fear of being outed prevents him from celebrating in public, Kip is forced to choose between a hidden life with the man he loves and the authentic future he deserves.

Heated Rivalry

Adapted from Rachel Reid’s bestselling Game Changers novels, Heated Rivalry is an HBO Max and Crave original series that explores the decade-long, secret "enemies-to-lovers" romance between professional hockey icons Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Led by award-winning showrunner Jacob Tierney (Letterkenny, Shoresy), who wrote and directed the season, the production was brought to life by Accent Aigu Entertainment. To ensure the adaptation stayed true to the emotional depth of the source material, Rachel Reid served as a consulting producer, helping to translate the gritty, high-stakes world of the MLH from the page to the screen.

The series features a breakout cast led by Hudson Williams as the disciplined Canadian captain Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as the complex Russian superstar Ilya Rozanov. The ensemble is rounded out by François Arnaud as the veteran Scott Hunter and Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady, whose parallel storyline provides a poignant look at the personal costs of the closet. Celebrated for its authentic "Canadianness" and groundbreaking representation of queer athletes, the show has been hailed for its raw intimacy and its ability to balance intense sports drama with a deeply character-driven narrative.

Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie Dates

Support the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Solo Movie Dates, where we are covering all episodes of Heated Rivalry.

Today we delve into Episode 4.

Episode 4: Rose

Between 2014 and 2016, Shane and Ilya’s relationship oscillates between professional dominance on the ice and an increasingly complicated secret bond off of it. While their respective teams find massive success, the two continue to downplay their connection to friends, dismissing years of constant texting as nothing serious. However, a rare night of domestic intimacy—complete with shared meals and vulnerable conversations about family—briefly cracks their armor. When an intense physical moment causes Shane to panic and flee, he seeks refuge in a high-profile public romance with actress Rose Landry. The move triggers a toxic cycle of jealousy that culminates in a tense nightclub confrontation in Montreal, where both men use others to wound one another. The episode closes on a haunting note of longing, proving that despite their public posturing and new partners, they remain obsessively tethered to each other.

Heated Rivalry

Adapted from Rachel Reid’s bestselling Game Changers novels, Heated Rivalry is an HBO Max and Crave original series that explores the decade-long, secret "enemies-to-lovers" romance between professional hockey icons Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Led by award-winning showrunner Jacob Tierney (Letterkenny, Shoresy), who wrote and directed the season, the production was brought to life by Accent Aigu Entertainment. To ensure the adaptation stayed true to the emotional depth of the source material, Rachel Reid served as a consulting producer, helping to translate the gritty, high-stakes world of the MLH from the page to the screen.

The series features a breakout cast led by Hudson Williams as the disciplined Canadian captain Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as the complex Russian superstar Ilya Rozanov. The ensemble is rounded out by François Arnaud as the veteran Scott Hunter and Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady, whose parallel storyline provides a poignant look at the personal costs of the closet. Celebrated for its authentic "Canadianness" and groundbreaking representation of queer athletes, the show has been hailed for its raw intimacy and its ability to balance intense sports drama with a deeply character-driven narrative.

Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie Dates

Support the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Solo Movie Dates, where we are covering all episodes of Heated Rivalry.

Today we delve into Episode 5.

Episode 5: I’ll Believe in Anything

The secret between Shane and Ilya finally reaches a turning point as Shane comes out privately to Rose, choosing friendship over their public facade. At the 2017 All-Star Game, the pair is forced onto the same team, leading to a raw confrontation where Ilya admits that his fear of Russian cultural expectations and family pressure is the only thing keeping them apart. However, the death of Ilya’s father and a subsequent fallout with his brother strip away his final defenses, leading to a tearful, late-night confession of love. When Shane is later hospitalized after a brutal game, he invites Ilya to his family cottage to recover. The final push comes from an unexpected source: seeing their peer, Scott, courageously come out on national television after winning the MLH Cup. Moved by Scott's bravery and his own longing, Ilya finally chooses a future with Shane, accepting the invitation to start their lives together away from the spotlight.

Heated Rivalry

Adapted from Rachel Reid’s bestselling Game Changers novels, Heated Rivalry is an HBO Max and Crave original series that explores the decade-long, secret "enemies-to-lovers" romance between professional hockey icons Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Led by award-winning showrunner Jacob Tierney (Letterkenny, Shoresy), who wrote and directed the season, the production was brought to life by Accent Aigu Entertainment. To ensure the adaptation stayed true to the emotional depth of the source material, Rachel Reid served as a consulting producer, helping to translate the gritty, high-stakes world of the MLH from the page to the screen.

The series features a breakout cast led by Hudson Williams as the disciplined Canadian captain Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as the complex Russian superstar Ilya Rozanov. The ensemble is rounded out by François Arnaud as the veteran Scott Hunter and Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady, whose parallel storyline provides a poignant look at the personal costs of the closet. Celebrated for its authentic "Canadianness" and groundbreaking representation of queer athletes, the show has been hailed for its raw intimacy and its ability to balance intense sports drama with a deeply character-driven narrative.

Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie Dates

Support the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Solo Movie Dates, where we are covering all episodes of Heated Rivalry.

Today we delve into Episode 6.

Episode 6: The cottage

The long-guarded walls between Shane and Ilya finally crumble as they retreat to Shane's cottage to build a future on their own terms. After a summer of mutual fidelity and painful admissions regarding Ilya’s past trauma, the pair moves beyond survival tactics to true partnership. Rejecting a plan for a marriage of convenience, Shane proposes a bold path forward: a public "rivalry-turned-friendship," the launch of a joint charity, and a trade that brings Ilya closer to him geographically. This newfound commitment is immediately tested when Shane’s father discovers them together, forcing a vulnerable but successful coming-out moment with his parents. The journey concludes with the pair driving back to their sanctuary, finally able to claim the titles of "boyfriends" and face the world as a united front.

Heated Rivalry

Adapted from Rachel Reid’s bestselling Game Changers novels, Heated Rivalry is an HBO Max and Crave original series that explores the decade-long, secret "enemies-to-lovers" romance between professional hockey icons Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Led by award-winning showrunner Jacob Tierney (Letterkenny, Shoresy), who wrote and directed the season, the production was brought to life by Accent Aigu Entertainment. To ensure the adaptation stayed true to the emotional depth of the source material, Rachel Reid served as a consulting producer, helping to translate the gritty, high-stakes world of the MLH from the page to the screen.

The series features a breakout cast led by Hudson Williams as the disciplined Canadian captain Shane Hollander and Connor Storrie as the complex Russian superstar Ilya Rozanov. The ensemble is rounded out by François Arnaud as the veteran Scott Hunter and Robbie G.K. as Kip Grady, whose parallel storyline provides a poignant look at the personal costs of the closet. Celebrated for its authentic "Canadianness" and groundbreaking representation of queer athletes, the show has been hailed for its raw intimacy and its ability to balance intense sports drama with a deeply character-driven narrative.

Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie Dates

Support the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are on a date to watch Table Tennis and Chaos from Josh Safdie & Timothée Chalamet.

We do a full deep dive into 1950s New York, but before that we also discuss Season 6 of Emily in Paris, the Critic's Choice awards including Timmy thanking Kylie Jenner and announcing their 3 year relationship.

Marty Supreme A bold, stylish biopic loosely based on the life of Marty Reisman, a world-champion table tennis player and professional hustler. The film follows his journey from the streets of Manhattan to the international stage as he navigates fame, family friction, and his own relentless ego in a quest for prestige and a signature orange ball.

Director: Josh Safdie Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa Azzion, Fran Drescher, and Koto Kawaguchi

Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie Dates

Support the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is part two of Heated Rivalry where we dig into episodes 4-6.

We meet Rose, play on the same team, have some serious conversations, go to a cottage and fall in love.

Come in as we deep dive episode by episode and find out why this is the best show of the year!

Heated Rivalry In the high-stakes world of professional hockey, superstars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rosanov are bitter rivals on the ice and secret lovers off of it. Spanning nine years, the series follows their complex evolution from rookie competitors to seasoned captains as they navigate the pressures of fame, family expectations, and the risks of being closeted in a professional sports environment.

Director: Jacob Tierney Starring: Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, Scott Hunter, Kit Williams

Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie Dates

Support the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a little New Years treat we are doing a double release this week and going through episodes 1-3 of Heated Rivalry.

We are diving deep into the world of professional hockey and the beautiful, complex relationship between rivals Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.

Looking at how showrunner Jacob Tierney took a popular MLM romance novel and turned it into a global phenomenon that’s being covered by the New York Times.

We talk through casting, production and season two before deep diving into the first three episodes.

Heated Rivalry In the high-stakes world of professional hockey, superstars Shane Hollander and Ilya Rosanov are bitter rivals on the ice and secret lovers off of it. Spanning nine years, the series follows their complex evolution from rookie competitors to seasoned captains as they navigate the pressures of fame, family expectations, and the risks of being closeted in a professional sports environment.

Director: Jacob Tierney Starring: Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, Scott Hunter, Kit Williams

Join the Community: Come and join us on Patreon on Instagram to talk more about films, pop culture and all things Solo Movie Dates

Support the Show: If you’ve listened to more than one episode, I’d really appreciate a follow or a subscribe. And if you’re feeling generous, leave a little five-star review!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.