'The Boy I Hate' Cast: Meet the Stars Behind the Enemies-to-Lovers Road Trip Romance

A chance reunion sends old feelings rushing back when a cross-country trip forces two former lovers to share the road. Get to know Elise Luthman, Leif Erik Offerdahl, Lauren Bonham, and Jared Staub, the lead cast members of "The Boy I Hate."

A cross-country road trip, a first love that never quite faded, and a wedding that forces two former flames back into each other's lives drive the story of ReelShort's "The Boy I Hate."

Leading the romance are Elise Luthman and Leif Erik Offerdahl as Samantha Smiles and Tristan Montgomery, joined by Lauren Bonham and Jared Staub in key supporting roles. Here's a closer look at the “The Boy I Hate” cast that brings the enemies-to-lovers drama to life.

The poster for "The Boy I Hate" | Source: instagram/reelshortapp

What Is "The Boy I Hate" About?

"The Boy I Hate" follows Samantha Smiles, an aspiring artist preparing to travel from Los Angeles to New York for her best friend's wedding. Her plans are thrown into chaos when her boyfriend Steven cancels their road trip at the last minute.

Instead, Samantha finds herself sharing the 3,000-mile journey with Tristan Montgomery, her best friend Renee's older brother, her first love, and the man who broke her heart five years earlier after a summer romance ended badly.

As old feelings resurface and secrets come to light, Samantha must decide whether to keep holding onto the past or risk opening her heart again.

Elise Luthman and Leif Erik Offerdahl in "The Boy I Hate" | Source: instagram/eliseluthman

Elise Luthman as Samantha Smiles

Elise Luthman stars as Samantha Smiles, the kind-hearted aspiring artist at the center of the story. Samantha has spent years trying to move on from Tristan while building a life with her boyfriend Steven, but their unexpected road trip forces her to confront feelings she never fully left behind.

Throughout the series, Samantha is portrayed as a people pleaser who often puts others before herself. That tendency leaves her vulnerable to being taken advantage of, particularly by Steven, who dismisses her artistic ambitions and takes her loyalty for granted.

A behind-the-scenes look at Elise Luthman as Samantha Smiles in "The Boy I Hate" | Source: instagram/eliseluthman

Luthman brings extensive television and film experience to the role. She is known for appearances in HBO's "Euphoria," Netflix's "The Politician," Nickelodeon's "Henry Danger," "Side Hustle," and CBS's "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."

She has also worked as a writer and producer and has been involved in entertainment since childhood.

Outside of acting, Luthman describes herself on Instagram as an "Actress | Mechanic" and notes that she is a recovering people pleaser, a description that echoes some of Samantha's personality traits.

More recently, she has appeared in vertical dramas including "Pregnant by My Ex's Professor Dad," "Reborn to Love Mr. Right," "Daddy Help! Mommy's in Prison!" and "Game of Choice."

Leif Erik Offerdahl as Tristan Montgomery

Leif Erik Offerdahl plays Tristan Montgomery, Samantha's first love and the man she has spent years trying to forget. Once a popular high school quarterback and college football star, Tristan seemed to have everything going for him until an injury derailed his athletic future.

In the years since their brief romance, Tristan has matured considerably. While Samantha remembers him as the boy who broke her heart, the road trip reveals a more thoughtful and caring side of him.

Leif Erik Offerdahl as Tristan Montgomery in "The Boy I Hate" | Source: instagram/reelshortapp

When Samantha discovers Steven's betrayal, Tristan immediately steps in to support and protect her, showing that he is no longer the careless young man she once knew.

Offerdahl has become a familiar face to vertical drama audiences. His credits include "Dear Husband, Delete My Number," "Sit Down, Be Humble," "Duke With Benefits," "The Mafia's Mistaken Lover," "The CEO's Baby Mama," "Hatelfully Yours," and "Good to See You Again, My Billionaire Baby Daddy."

His growing list of leading-man roles has made him one of the recognizable stars in the vertical drama space.

Lauren Bonham as Renee Montgomery

Lauren Bonham portrays Renee Montgomery, Samantha's best friend and Tristan's younger sister. Although Renee spent much of her youth frustrated by her brother's popularity, Samantha was always the exception among the girls who wanted to get close to Tristan. That friendship became the foundation of their long-lasting bond.

Renee's upcoming wedding is what brings Samantha and Tristan back together. Unaware of the complicated romantic history between her best friend and her brother, she suggests that Tristan accompany Samantha on the cross-country drive, unintentionally setting the entire story in motion.

Bonham is an actor, model, and yoga instructor based in San Diego. She has also worked extensively in modeling and commercial campaigns while building her acting career.

Vertical drama viewers may recognize her from roles in "The Virgin and the Billionaire," "Her Cold-Hearted Alpha," "Marry My Husband, Please!," "The Art of Revenge," "The Wife's Gambit," and "Find Me Mr. President."

Jared Staub as Steven

Jared Staub plays Steven, Samantha's longtime boyfriend and the story's primary antagonist. At first, Steven appears to be a supportive partner, but his true nature is revealed as the story unfolds.

Rather than joining Samantha on the trip to New York, Steven claims that work obligations require him to stay behind. Samantha later discovers that he has been cheating on her with his secretary and intends to end their relationship after the wedding. His betrayal becomes one of the key turning points of the story.

Steven's treatment of Samantha highlights the contrast between him and Tristan. While Steven belittles her dreams and makes her question her self-worth, Tristan encourages her and helps her rediscover her confidence.

Supporting Cast

Several supporting actors help bring Samantha and Tristan's journey to life:

• Sydney Culbertson as the Secretary
• Stephanie Ninberg as Mean Girl #1
• Natalie Commerford as Mean Girl #2
• Morgan Ewing as Mean Girl #3
• Kierron Molet as Finn
• Robert May as Bob
• Brooke McCormick as the Waitress

• Eileen Bowman as Mrs. Montgomery
• Marc Sylwestrzak as Mr. Montgomery
• Sophia Dawson as Receptionist #1
• Shannon Taylor as Receptionist #2
• John Slate as the DJ
• Randy Davison as the Art Gallery Owner

"The Boy I Hate" is available to stream on ReelShort.