Prestige stunt coordinator and fight choreographer Jonathan Eusebio makes his highly anticipated directorial debut with Love Hurts, a film that seamlessly blends action and romance. Known for his work on John Wick, Black Panther, and The Bourne Ultimatum, Eusebio brings his expertise in combat choreography to a story that goes through the thrilling events that transpire between love and revenge. The film stars Ke Huy Quan as Marvin Gable, a former hitman turned real estate agent whose calm and amazing life is sabotaged when his past comes back to light. Marvin’s story takes a turn with the reappearance of Rose, portrayed by Ariana Debose, a troubled woman seeking vengeance. Their reunion starts a series of events that leaves Marvin no choice, but to confront his former life and his crazy older brother, Alvin Gable (nickname Knuckles), played by Daniel Wu.

Eusebio’s transition from stunt coordination to directing is important in the film’s beautifully crafted action scenes. Emphasizing practical effects with CGI, the combat scenes draw inspiration from martial arts cinema, revealing Eusebio’s dedication to genuinely real stunt work. In an interview, he emphasized Ke Huy Quan’s martial arts background, noting that Ke Huy Quan did all of his stunts. The film finishes with a lot at risk where Marvin and Rose break into Knuckle’s hideout leading to their final battle. Marvin’s final struggle with Knuckles not only shows his combat skills, but also shows how difficult it is for him to confront his past and his desire for a peaceful future with Rose. After being victorious, showing that Marvin has finally been freed from his dark and violent past, Rose, revealed to the Russian gangsters deceived by Knuckles, will make sure that he is permanently removed. With this, Marvin embraces who he is along with declaring his love for Rose and ending it all off with a shared future.