Hallmark fans quickly fell in love with the 2022 film Groundswell, starring Lacey Chabert and Ektor Rivera as the charming couple Emma and Ben. Rivera praised Chabert’s performance and revealed why working alongside her was particularly special, highlighting the instant connection they shared on set.
He described Chabert as “so humble” and noted her passion and openness throughout the project. He explained,
“She was fantastic to work with and the chemistry was instantaneous. We had a lot of emotional moments in the movie. To be able to work with Lacey was one of the best experiences.”
This positive collaboration contributed to making Groundswell a standout film for both actors.
Learning to Surf Added a Unique Layer to Rivera’s Role in Groundswell
Although Rivera grew up in Puerto Rico, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, he had never learned to surf before filming Groundswell. His character, Ben, is a Puerto Rican surf instructor living in Hawaii, and Rivera took the opportunity to learn the sport during production.
Reflecting on this new experience, Rivera shared a video on Instagram, stating:
“Filmed in Hawaii, directed by @leemfriedlander and with the amazing @thereallacey I played Ben, a Puerto Rican surf instructor living on the island.”
He added,
“Fun fact: Even though I’m a Boricua, I learned to surf for the very first time right there in Waikiki.”
Rivera expressed deep respect for surfing, calling it a sport that
“connects you with nature in such a spiritual way.”
He also revealed,
“I lived in Puerto Rico in front of the beach when I was young but I never tried to surf. I would only swim, so it was nice to experience a different sport.”
Fans Applaud the Chemistry Between Chabert and Rivera
The chemistry between Lacey Chabert and Ektor Rivera was widely appreciated by audiences, with many viewers praising the heartfelt romance they portrayed. One dedicated fan commented,
“There’s not too many Hallmark movies I can watch more than once, this one I’ve seen this one at least 8 times.”
Lee Friedlander, the director of Groundswell, also expressed his fondness for working with Rivera, stating,
“DITO miss working with you! Was the best!”
While Groundswell remains the only collaboration between Chabert and Rivera so far, their strong on-screen bond suggests that fans would warmly welcome any future projects featuring the pair.
