'Sidelined' is a coming-of-age highlighting female ambitions

Beck and Aguodong, along with the rest of the cast of “Sidelined,” sat down with the Tribune to discuss all things young love and how it’s OK for girls to be just as ambitious as boys.

Agudong’s portrayal of Dallas stands out as a refreshing departure from the norm in the realm of young romance movies. While she harbors feelings for the star quarterback, Dallas isn’t prepared to compromise her own ambitions and aspirations to simply follow his path.

“One aspect that truly captivated me about this project was the portrayal of Dallas. Witnessing a female lead exude such confidence, drive, and self-assuredness was incredibly refreshing,” Agudong shared. “It’s not that she doubts her ability to win the guy’s heart; she’s fully aware of her capability.

“However, she consciously chooses a different path because she has her sights set on a bigger goal,” she continued. “She shares that she believes there is immense power in possessing self-awareness and clarity about one’s aspirations.”

Beck delved into his character’s portrayal in the film. He highlighted the contrast between the character’s seemingly perfect life and the underlying pressure to meet his father’s expectations. Beck drew a parallel to his own experiences with popularity, suggesting that outward appearances can be deceiving.

“The film portrays a sense of rawness and authenticity,” he said. “It highlights the idea that nobody has life completely figured out, and that’s a fundamental part of the human experience.

“Even someone like Drayton, who seems to have it all together, is grappling with his own struggles and uncertainties. He’s fighting for autonomy and choice, which comes with unique challenges and pressures.

“The film emphasizes the pressure he feels from his reputation and his father’s expectations,” Beck added. “Ultimately, it reminds us that everyone, regardless of their outward appearance, is human and faces their own internal battles.”

Drew Ray Tanner, who portrays Dallas’ older brother and football coach Nathan, emphasized the importance of allowing young people to explore various interests and make mistakes, particularly in today’s social media-driven environment.

“If I were to pass on anything to the younger generation, it would be the importance of spending time with elders,” Tanner said. “I was fortunate to have my grandfather as a big presence in my life. He was always intriguing to me. He taught me magic tricks, we did puzzles together, and he introduced me to activities that required time, patience, and skill.”

Deborah Cox, the acclaimed singer and actress, makes a delightful appearance in “Sidelined” as Alicia, Dallas’ dance instructor. Alicia serves as a mentor, encouraging Dallas to remain focused on her aspirations.

“Miss Alicia recognizes Dallas’s drive but is also aware of how the relationship is impacting her negatively,” Cox shared. “Dallas is struggling to maintain her usual discipline and consistency. Rather than discouraging the relationship, Miss Alicia tries to guide Dallas in using it as a source of inspiration for her art.

“She believes that Dallas can channel the positive energy of the relationship into her creative pursuits,” she continued. “This approach reflects a belief that personal experiences, even romantic ones, can fuel artistic expression.”

Justin Wu, the film’s director, articulated his inspiration for helming this coming-of-age narrative. He sought to craft a story that resonated with the audience on a personal level, exploring the universal themes of love and growth.

“The novel’s popularity highlights its resonance, especially among young people, due to its universally relatable themes. The heroine, a determined dancer aspiring to follow in her mother’s footsteps, embodies ambitions we all share,” Wu said. “However, the film’s strength lies in its nuanced exploration of these themes, complemented by exceptional writing.”

“Sidelined: The QB and Me” is a different coming-of-age story that works to delve deeper into the underlying surface of the characters while still maintaining its charm. Viewers can currently stream the film on Tubi.