Act One

Act One (2026)



10.0 2026 104 min United States of America

Director: Sophia Takal

Cast: Ella Beatty, Ari Graynor, Nate Mann, Sinclair Daniel, Elizabeth Reaser

Thriller
A gifted young actress, hungry for direction and a place to call her own, becomes ensnared by a charismatic but dangerous mentor whose twisted lessons blur the line between devotion and domination.

More About This Film

Act One is a psychological thriller from filmmaker Sophia Takal about Hannah, a young aspiring actress who is desperate for guidance and a sense of belonging. Her search for a mentor leads her toward an acting coach whose influence becomes increasingly controlling, drawing Hannah into a relationship shaped by obsession and manipulation.

The film uses the theatrical world as a setting for questions about ambition, vulnerability, power, and artistic identity. Ella Beatty leads the cast as Hannah, surrounded by performers including Ari Graynor, Nate Mann, Elizabeth Reaser, Sinclair Daniel, Robert Sean Leonard, and Tavi Gevinson.

  • Sophia Takal wrote and directed the film.
  • Ella Beatty stars as Hannah.
  • The supporting cast includes Ari Graynor, Nate Mann, Elizabeth Reaser, Sinclair Daniel, Robert Sean Leonard, and Tavi Gevinson.
  • The film was produced by Foxglove Films, Savage Rose Films, and Tandem Pictures.
  • Act One premiered at the 2026 Tribeca Festival and has a reported runtime of 104 minutes.

Where to Watch

Act One began its 2026 festival run before broader distribution, so availability depends on the territory and release window.