Los Angeles, CA, (The Hollywood Times) 06/17/2026
The Reverb is a new pilot for a scripted television series created and directed by the Ruttert Sisters, Janie and Jordan Ruttert. The show follows Cassie, played by Mari Blake, her college roommates, and her childhood friend Aaron Blake, who is a member of a famous rock band.
The opening scene takes place in the living room, where Cassie and her roommates are all dressed up as Mrs. Claus. When they hear a knock at the door, it’s Aaron Blake, portrayed by Matthew Assheton. The atmosphere in this first scene is filled with horror and suspense.
The scene then shifts to Aaron and his bandmates at a rehearsal, where they are anxiously waiting for their lead singer, Sky, to arrive. When she finally does show up, she comes across as very unpleasant and confrontational, getting into an altercation with their manager or agent and throwing a drink on her.
Later, we see Aaron and Cassie at home. Aaron catches Sky using drugs and confronts her about it. He had been watching Cassie on social media earlier. Aaron, fed up with her behavior, threatens to leave and ultimately does, leading him to knock on Cassie’s door.
Cassie’s roommates seem unaware of her connection to Aaron, but she is hesitant to let him in or allow him to stay. However, he manages to convince her to let him spend the night. The next morning, her roommates are starstruck still, even though news just broke about his band member’s death.
As Aaron showers, we notice bruises and other injuries, but the cause remains unclear. Meanwhile, Cassie and her friends discuss the recent death of Aaron’s bandmate, Sky. It seems that her death is not drug-related but potentially a murder, and Aaron is a suspect.
When Aaron emerges from the shower, he receives an unexpected call from a bandmate on a payphone, informing him about Sky’s passing and questioning whether he was involved. But did he do it?
We know he left Sky due to her drug abuse and came to Cassie’s for refuge. The storyline develops into a Gen Z take on a classic murder mystery: Who committed the crime? My suspicion falls on the manager whom Sky attacked in an earlier scene, but questions linger. What happened to Aaron’s torso? Was he framed? Why does he have blood on his clothes? So many questions arise in just the first episode! I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
The Reverb will screen at the 29th Annual Dances with Films Film Festival on Saturday, June 27th at 4 PM
For tickets and more information, please visit: https://danceswithfilms.com/2026-the-reverb/
