Sidelined: The QB and Me directed by Justin Wu was released for free on the streaming platform Tubi. This movie began filming in early 2023 in Victoria B.C Canada and has touched many hearts.
The heartfelt story began on a platform called Wattpad, where writers can share their stories with readers. The story was first a hit novel by Tay Marley before being adapted into the film we see today.
Published under the title: The QB Bad Boy and Me, Marley began releasing chapters on Oct. 14, 2017 until it was quickly finished on Dec. 23, 2017.
The book was such a success that on Sept. 16, 2020, Marley posted an announcement on Wattpad, “As you all know, The QB Bad Boy and Me has been published by Wattpad Books and is now available for purchase! Thanks so much for the support.”
This movie follows the lives of Dallas Bryan, a dancer who strives to attend the California Institute of the Arts like her late mother.
Playing Dallas Bryan is Siena Agudong, who was a well-known child actor. Some may know her from her role as Nick in No Good Nick and many other roles.
The story also follows Drayton Lahey, the star QB on track to go to Waco University and continue his football career like his father did.
Drayton Lahey is played by Noah Beck, who is well known on the social media platform TikTok as a former member of the Sway House. Beck has starred in reality shows such as The D’Amelio Show in a few episodes throughout 2021-2022 when he was in a relationship with TikTok star and song artist Dixie D’Amelio.
In Sidelined: The QB and Me, Beck stepped out of his comfort zone, and many were shocked by his debut as an actor. In an interview with Good Morning America, in response to a question about how he got into acting, Beck responded, “Acting, to me, honestly came out of nowhere. It came from me just saying yes to opportunities that kind of presented themselves, and I’m just so happy they did because I’ve truly fallen in love with it.”
This movie immediately blew up on TikTok with one TikToker stating, “I thought this would be a cringey romance movie with Noah Beck, but it actually had me crying and realize how important it is to experience teenage love.”
Many other TikTokers believe that it is one of the best teen romance movies made in a while. Many have highlighted how the movie has no love triangle, or teenage angst, and is about just two teenagers falling in love.
The question has been asked, will there be a second movie with Dallas and Drayton? There is unlikely going to be a continuation of their story it seems. However, there is a prequel book The Summer of ‘98 which gives us a look at Draytons parents and ‘the summer that changed everything’.
Sidelined: The QB and Me is more than just a story about a dancer and a quarterback; it is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss and ambition. The film offers something for everyone and is sure to leave you entertained and moved.
