Under the Hood

Starring Quincey Leigh as Selene and Cayman Cardiff as Jaxon

Okay, so let's just start with the obvious-Cayman Cardiff spends most of the movie shirtless, and that's definitely eye-catching. But beyond that, this film delivers one of the most intense, sensual romances I've seen in a while.

Nic Caruccio takes on the role of Victor, Selene's husband, and while his character is a total jerk, Nic nails the part so well that you can't help but despise him. Selene and Victor break down near a small mechanic shop run by Jaxon, who quickly impresses Victor with his skill at fixing high-end cars. Despite Victor's arrogance, he keeps Jaxon around for more work. Meanwhile, Victor and Selene's contract marriage is crumbling, and Jaxon can't ignore the disdain Victor shows toward her. What follows is an affair that simmers and burns into something far deeper.

The chemistry between Quincey Leigh and Cayman Cardiff is nothing short of electric. The way their relationship builds is not only sexy and sensual-it's art. The camera work, the glances, the growing passion, everything felt beautifully crafted. And truly, the way Cayman looks at Quincey in this film-every woman would want a man to look at her like that. It's breathtaking.

As the story heats up, ruthless Victor refuses to let go, going as far as trying to buy out Jaxon and even kidnapping Selene. It all leads to themes of redemption, love, and the fight to protect what matters most.

The only real drawback? The film was too short. The romance deserved more screen time, especially the ending, which could have been drawn out to let the emotions sink in. Still, Cayman and Quincey shine brilliantly together, and Nic Caruccio was so convincing that I honestly wanted to punch his character.

Overall, Under the Hood is passionate, dramatic, and unforgettable. I'd happily watch a longer cut if one ever existed.

If you love romantic dramas I encourage you to watch "Under the Hood." Yes it has romance and steamy scenes; but, it also offers more than your usual vertical drama. It has vulnerability, emotional pain, and tenderness. Cayman Cardiff and Quincey Keith's chemistry transcends the screen and can be felt by the viewer. 👍

I genuine love this movie. It truly does not feel like a vertical at all, with exception of the screen ratio. I know they filmed this in horizontal, but framed it in vertical, but if they had framed for horizontal instead, this very easily could have been a movie on one of the more mainstream platforms.

There was none of the overdone soapy vertical tropes that you come to expect. No drawn out banquet scenes, no ongoing bullying (except for her toxic, abusive husband, of course), and none of the cat fights and endless slapping we've all come to despise. It was also quite refreshing to not have the annoying character introduction titles and the endless internal monologue that a lot of the verticals now overly rely on. Like I said, If not for it being displayed in vertical, you wouldn't know that it was a part of the vertical space at all... Just a high quality film.

The chemistry between Cayman Cardiff and Quincey Leigh is undeniable. The heat they bring to the story... Well, steamy doesn't even begin to describe it. There's an authenticity to their performances that is hard to find, especially in the vertical genre. From the moment they lock eyes, you know you're in for quite the ride. I've watched this so many times, and I know I'm destined for many more... This film alone is reason enough to consider the annual Vigloo membership.

This was my first film with Quincey Leigh, and she was an utter delight to watch. Her performance rang true in a way that I not only felt her abject fear and utter hopelessness at the situation she was trapped in, I was ready to take out Selene's husband for her. She needed either a good attorney or a loaded weapon... Okay, either way she'd need that good attorney.

Nic Carrucio was the perfect villain and there was no way we couldn't not only hate, but truly despise him. He was so toxic and truly evil in a very realistic and scarily believeable way. As I said, there were numerous times I would've happily taken him out.

Cayman was an absolute gem... He brings such honesty and sincerity to Jaxon. And as always, he conveys so much with just one look, without needing to say a word, so when he does, you listen because you know it's important. Genuine and real is probably the best way I can describe his performance. You can feel everything Jaxon is going through right along with him. I'm not sure why Hollywood hasn't snapped Cayman up yet, but it will definitely be the vertical world's loss when he gets called up to the majors.

I LOVED how Cayman got to go back to his roots and let his southern flag fly, so to speak. Typically, in verticals, southern accents are so overplayed to make the character appear dumber, which is an insult to the character and the audience and, honestly, it distracts from the story. Cayman's natural drawl slid in and out flawlessly, and I swear I giggled every time he said "ain't" as when playing CEOs and Alphas, you always have to speak a bit more proper. I truly loved seeing that little piece of him shine through.

The steam... Holy cannoli, was this hot! Definitely Cayman's steamiest film by far, and on more than one occasion, I was fairly jealous of Quincey Leigh's Selene. I've always been a fan of men who work with their hands and Cayman, already being God's gift to the world, as the unassumingly powerful Jaxon, he may have made me drool a time or two... Or maybe not... I'll never tell.

I swear, every time I watch this, I notice more and more. When I say that there's an authenticity to their performances, I mean in every way. Even in some little things that most people wouldn't even notice in all the typical vertical craziness. For instance, not to be weird, but in the steamy scenes, there's a definite intensity. In a lot of other verticals, the passion is just not really there. But in this, they look like they're truly starving for each other. And how red her face gets between being worked up and scratched by stubble? It definitely looks real... Whereas in a lot of the other films, after a supposed intense kissing scene, you couldn't tell by looking at them whatsoever. But these two look absolutely wrecked... It's as if they are each other's air and need each other to survive. I desperately want someone to look at me the way Jaxon does Selene.

Finally, a genuine fall! Typically, the heroine trips on air, but Selene stepped back into his toolbox and lost her balance, causing Jaxon to catch her. I was so happy it was a legitimate fall for a change. I feel you, girl. I've tripped on many toolboxes in my time. Unfortunately, I never had Jaxon there to catch me.

This film is a true redemption story, with both overcoming their past and the situations that they were forced into. There is the steamy romance, with a fair bit of action to keep this from becoming an overly sappy rom-com.

It is also full of action-flick worthy one-liners like "We ain't nobodies anymore...", "I'm not on the guest list..." which gave serious John McClane vibes, but "Now THAT'S a country ass-whoopin'..." instantly topped it. "NOBODY is going to hurt you like that again... I'll make sure of it." honest to God chills. "Let him wait... His wife's busy." I swear the temperature in the room instantly increased by a few degrees. "You ain't built for this fight.", yet another epic line... "I could snap your frame in half... No lift. No tools. Just me." Yes, give me a man like that! And lastly, "I care about you Selene... I want you in my life" It was so... raw... heartfelt and sincere that there was no doubt he meant it. If she didn't agree, I would've happily accepted on her behalf.

The only downside to this wonderful film was that at coming in at one hour in length (51 chapters), it just wasn't long enough. I truly didn't want it to end and have to say goodbye to these characters. Maybe some scenes could've been extended, or maybe we could've seen more of their happily ever after... I just wasn't ready to let them go yet.

We need a part two! There's so much story left to tell as they move forward rebuilding the business and Jaxon takes his place as CEO, restoring his father's legacy.

Under The Hood tells a strong compelling story, the acting is first rate across the board, and the romance is steamy without being gratuitous. What Under The Hood doesn't have are those cringy elements that are found in a lot of the Vertical Dramas. You know the ones I'm talking about: if there were a drinking game for face slaps alone, we'd all be under the table with alcohol poisoning!

I don't usually subscribe to any drama sites. I usually watch my daily allotted free episodes then go on my merry way. The story of Under The Hood was so strong, I immediately bought a week subscription so that I could watch the entire story, and I will rewatch it as soon as I am done with this review!

Kudos to Cayman Cardiff, Quincey Leigh and Nicolo Carrucio for their amazing performances! And to those in the Vertical Dramas industry, please take note. The fans will prefer (and like and share and subscribe) to quality stories like this one over the mass produced, four-versions-of-the-same-script stories that Vertical Dramas have been known for to date!

Under The Hood is a love letter to the human spirit, weaving a tapestry of raw emotion and soul-stirring romance that will linger in your heart long after the credits roll. At its core, the film is elevated to stratospheric heights by the incandescent performances of Cayman Cardiff as Jaxon Knoxwood and Quincey Leigh as Selene Beaumont-two actors who don't just portray their characters but become them, delivering a chemistry so palpable it can be felt miles away.

Cayman Cardiff's portrayal of Jaxon Knoxwood is nothing short of revelatory. Jaxon, a brooding mechanic with a haunted past and a heart of gold, is brought to life with such nuance and intensity that every glance, every clenched jaw, every quiet moment of vulnerability feels like a window into a real soul. Cardiff commands the screen with a magnetic presence, balancing rugged grit with tender strength. His scenes under the hood of vintage cars-meticulously choreographed as both a dance and a love song to machinery-are mesmerizing, but it's his powerful portrayal of security that will leave you breathless and will make him a beacon of hope for all womankind.

Quincey Leigh as Selene Beaumont, a real estate agent looking for the strength to leave her abusive husband, is a revelation, a luminous force who steals every scene she's in. Leigh imbues her with such authenticity that you feel every heartbeat of her journey. Leigh's ability to convey strength and fragility in the same breath makes Selene not just a character but a living, breathing icon.

But what truly sets Under the Hood apart is its heart. This is a film that believes in love-not just romantic love, but love for the broken, beautiful things that make us human. Jaxon and Selene's journey is a testament to the idea that even in the darkest corners, light can find a way. Their chemistry is the beating pulse of the film, and Cardiff and Leigh make every stolen glance, every touch, every whispered confession feel like a universe unfolding.

In short, Under the Hood is a cinematic gem that will make you laugh, cry, cheer, and fall in love. It's a film that demands to be seen. Cayman Cardiff and Quincey Leigh have delivered performances for the ages. Ten stars, a standing ovation, and all my love to this unforgettable masterpiece!