“This is such a bad idea.”
It’s electric, it’s steamy and it’s all the rage. Based on Rachel Reid’s hit book, the series Heated Rivalry, created by Jacob Tierney, has millions enthralled by its story. With the global uproar occuring, it’s clear that something about this show has touched the hearts of many.
The story follows two hockey rivals, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, who begin as rookies competing for the first spot in the hockey draft. While the two completely loathe each other at first, their burning hatred turns into a heated and passionate affair. By offering a glimpse at what it looks like to be a closeted public figure, this show becomes an emotional journey into a tricky and very real dilemma: masking your heart to the world, or being true to yourself while risking glory.
The performances by Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams are really what have impressed viewers. While Hollander’s character demanded a timid performance by Williams, Storrie’s portrayal of Rozanov showed an incredible range that deserves great praise. As a Russian character, Rozanov required a thick Russian accent and convincing fluency in the language, which is especially notable since actor Storrie, a Texas native, learned Russian solely for this role.
Many viewers have been appreciating the execution of this series, emphasizing how it creates a well-rounded story from which viewers can’t look away.
“The show feels exceptionally well made, balancing action, dialogue, thoughtful camera work, and genuinely great performances,” sophomore Gabrielle Morales said.
These amazing portrayals, coupled with stylistic choices made by Tierney, have drawn millions into the relationship between these two young men. The music, by Canadian singer-songwriter Peter Peter, creates an edgy atmosphere, one that emphasizes a deep and riveting tension between the two. The subtle costume design highlights the contrasting personalities between Rozanov and Hollander, with their wardrobes exposing their social and personal divides. While Rozanov shows off more striking clothing, such as a bright Hawaiian shirt or leopard print, Hollander wears mowstly muted colors, later hiring a stylist, reflecting his uncertainty in the way he expresses himself.
While some may see this series as just another romance, it has shown the importance of queer representation in the media. Since the uproar from this show, Jake Williamson, a retired gay hockey player, has stated how Heated Rivalry has sparked a reflection of his time in the league, calling the series “raw, honest, and very, very human” in a recent Instagram post. Amazingly, Heated Rivalry has also inspired Jesse Kortuem, a retired hockey player, to come out on the Drew Barrymore Show, stating that he “didn’t realize that one story could spark a conversation, could encourage others to finally find the strength to be themselves.”
“The open dialogue it’s created stems from the show doing such a good job of keeping the romance at the center, and really having it be a true, raw love story from start to finish, in an environment where it’s shut away,” sophomore Ava Nagengast said.
However, this isn’t the only positive effect from the show: the reaction from women demonstrates that queerness in men isn’t unattractive. For years, gay men have been stereotyped as being feminine, making those who present as “masculine,” such as professional athletes, feel embarrassed to come out. These problematic stereotypes, due to sociological factors and gender roles, have led to a long history of mental health issues among men, placing gay and bisexual men at higher risk for suicide attempts, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). However, across social media platforms, audience reactions, and wide discussion within major outlets these harsh stereotypes are shown to be clear fallacies.
Through these two characters, a truthful view of queer relationships is breaking into mainstream media. While Rozanov and Hollander often communicated through stolen glances, unspoken words and subtle grazes, their relationship has bloomed into a raw and vulnerable portrayal of love and sexuality in a callous environment.
Watching Heated Rivalry won’t just appeal to your romantic side, but it will also walk you through a complicated love story – one that often goes untold.
