The Cast Of Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story—Where Are They Now?

The 2024 Lifetime movie, *Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story*, plunges viewers into one of the most disturbing true-crime cases of the last decade, chronicling the destructive path of a relationship that ended in a tragic murder-suicide. This deeply unsettling film, directed by Elisabeth Röhm, relies on a powerful ensemble cast to bring the complex and sensitive real-life events to the screen, focusing on the volatile relationship between Alyssa and Steven Pladl and the devastating consequences of their actions. As of December 2025, the cast members are moving on to new and exciting projects, confirming their status as major players in the television and film landscape. The movie’s success lies in the intense performances delivered by its main actors, who had the challenging task of portraying real people involved in a highly publicized and tragic family drama. From the lead actress known for her work on *Orange Is the New Black* to veteran TV movie actors, here is a detailed look at the core cast, their roles, and their most recent career updates, ensuring you have the freshest information available.

The Core Cast and Character Biographies

The film is a dramatic retelling of the true story involving Alyssa Pladl and Steven Pladl, a case that shocked the nation. The core cast members carried the weight of this narrative, delivering performances that explored themes of abuse, betrayal, and violence.

• Jackie Cruz as Alyssa Pladl:
  • Role in the Film: The central figure, whose turbulent and abusive relationship with Steven Pladl is the focus of the story. The film follows her journey from an impressionable teen to a woman caught in a devastating cycle of events.
  • Biography: Born on August 8, 1986, in New York City, Jackie Cruz is a Dominican-American actress, singer, and model. She is best known for her breakout role as Marisol "Flaca" Gonzales in the Netflix series *Orange Is the New Black*.
  • Recent Projects (2024-2025): Cruz continues to balance her acting and music careers. In 2024, she released new music, including the single "Fruta." She is also slated to appear in the 2025 feature film *History of Evil*, showcasing her continued work in the horror and thriller genres.
• Matthew MacCaull as Steven Pladl:
  • Role in the Film: The volatile husband whose actions lead to the ultimate tragedy. MacCaull portrays the abusive and controlling figure at the center of the conflict.
  • Biography: Matthew MacCaull is a Canadian actor with an extensive filmography in television and film. He is recognizable for roles in *Project Blue Book* and various Hallmark Channel movies.
  • Recent Projects (2024-2025): MacCaull starred in the 2024 film *The Island Between Tides*, a dramatic feature that premiered at film festivals, demonstrating his versatility outside of the TV movie circuit. He remains a prolific working actor in the Vancouver film industry.
• Matreya Scarrwener as Katie:
  • Role in the Film: Portrays Katie, the daughter of Alyssa and Steven Pladl. Her character represents the innocent victim caught in the crossfire of the central couple's destructive relationship.
  • Biography: Matreya Scarrwener is a young Canadian actress known for her roles in *Van Helsing* and *Ties That Bind*. She has established herself as a frequent face in Lifetime original movies.
  • Recent Projects (2024-2025): Scarrwener has been busy with multiple 2024 Lifetime productions, including starring roles in *Killing for Extra Credit* and *When Mom Becomes a Murderer*, solidifying her status as a leading actress in the genre.
• Sebastien Roberts as Todd Pladl (Inferred Role):
  • Role in the Film: While the specific character name is often kept off initial cast lists, Sebastien Roberts is prominently featured in promotional material alongside Cruz. Given the true crime narrative, it is strongly inferred that Roberts plays Todd Pladl, Steven's father and one of the victims in the tragic murder-suicide.
  • Biography: Sebastien Roberts is a Canadian actor known for his roles in *The Last Templar* and the TV series *The Listener*. He frequently appears in major television and film productions.
  • Recent Projects (2024-2025): Roberts continues his work in television and streaming, often taking on roles in dramatic thrillers and action-oriented series, maintaining a consistent presence on screen.

Unpacking the True Crime Story Behind the Movie

The film is part of Lifetime's tradition of adapting shocking real-life events for television. *Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story* is based on the highly complex and tragic case involving the Pladl family, which captivated true-crime enthusiasts. The title itself highlights the multiple roles played by the individuals involved and the horrific events that transpired. The story covers the turbulent relationship between Alyssa and Steven, which began when Alyssa was a teenager. The true events detail the subsequent birth of their child, the eventual separation, and the harrowing conclusion. The true-life case culminated in a murder-suicide that involved the deaths of Todd Pladl (Steven's father) and another family member, followed by Steven Pladl's suicide. The movie, directed by actress-turned-director Elisabeth Röhm, navigates the delicate balance of dramatizing these sensitive, real-world events while maintaining a focus on the perspective of the central figure, Alyssa.

The Creative Team: Director and Writer

A film of this intensity requires a strong creative vision to handle the sensitive subject matter responsibly. The creative team behind *Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story* brought significant experience to the project.

Elisabeth Röhm: The Visionary Director

Elisabeth Röhm, an accomplished actress known for her roles in *Law & Order* and *Angel*, stepped behind the camera to direct this chilling narrative. Röhm has become a prominent director in the Lifetime movie space, often choosing projects with complex female characters at their center. Her directorial approach focuses on the psychological aspects of the crime, providing a nuanced look at the events. Röhm’s involvement ensures the film is handled with a dramatic sensibility, leveraging her experience in high-stakes television drama to create a compelling and unsettling viewing experience. Her work on this film continues her trend of exploring dark and intricate family dynamics.

Stephen Tolkin: The Screenwriter

The screenplay was penned by Stephen Tolkin, a writer with a long history of crafting compelling television movies, particularly in the thriller and true-crime genres. Tolkin’s writing is responsible for structuring the complex timeline of the Pladl case into a cohesive and engaging narrative for the Lifetime audience. His script manages to weave together the personal drama, the legal implications, and the ultimate tragedy of the story.

Why This Cast Delivers Topical Authority

The selection of the cast members for *Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story* is a key factor in the film’s success and its topical authority. The producers chose actors with established careers in high-stakes, dramatic television, ensuring that the performances would meet the emotional demands of the true-crime genre. Jackie Cruz, with her background in the gritty drama of *Orange Is the New Black*, brings a level of raw intensity necessary for the role of Alyssa Pladl. Her ability to convey vulnerability and resilience makes her portrayal believable and deeply affecting. Similarly, Matthew MacCaull is a veteran of both film and television, capable of portraying complex and often antagonist roles. His recent work across multiple genres, including the 2024 film *The Island Between Tides*, demonstrates a commitment to diverse and challenging projects. The combination of established dramatic actors and the experienced directorial hand of Elisabeth Röhm creates a powerful and authoritative adaptation of this disturbing true story, making it a must-watch for true-crime fans. The continuous flow of new projects from the main cast members—from Jackie Cruz’s music releases to Matreya Scarrwener’s ongoing Lifetime success—confirms their current relevance in the entertainment world, making the information about the film and its cast highly fresh and unique.