Cast for Independent Comedy Short Film “Playing It Straight”

LEAD. Charming, a people pleaser, and a little all over the place. Sophie has a habit of convincing herself everything will somehow work out, even when she is actively making the situation worse. She’s openly gay in most areas of her life, but around her stubborn grandmother, she struggles to be fully herself. She means well, loves the people around her, and desperately wants to keep everyone happy, which is exactly how she ends up turning Thanksgiving into a complete disaster.

SUPPORTING. Sophie’s girlfriend and the more confident, grounded presence in their relationship. Liv is warm, patient, and understanding, but she isn’t afraid to stand up for herself when Sophie’s choices cross a line. She genuinely cares about Sophie, but being unknowingly brought into Sophie’s increasingly ridiculous lie quickly tests her patience.

SUPPORTING. Sophie’s eccentric and wildly confident best friend who agrees to play her fake boyfriend for Thanksgiving. He’s a flirt, a playboy, extremely dramatic, and takes himself much more seriously than anyone else does. Zach genuinely wants to help Sophie, but he treats even the smallest situation like an opportunity to perform and has a tendency to take things way too far.

SUPPORTING. Sharp-tongued, stubborn, dramatic, and an expert in the art of the guilt trip. Grandma loves Sophie deeply and proudly sees her as her “perfect granddaughter,” but she also has an old-fashioned worldview and absolutely no filter. She is blissfully unaware of how out of touch she can be and has no problem making her opinions known to everyone at the table.

SUPPORTING. Warm, welcoming, and very used to navigating the chaos of her family. Mom quickly realizes what Sophie is trying to pull with Zach and reluctantly plays along, although she clearly thinks her daughter should just tell the truth. She loves Sophie and Liv, tries not to interfere too much, and has very little patience left for Grandma’s comments.

SUPPORTING. Laid-back, slightly clueless, and mostly just trying to survive Thanksgiving dinner. Dad goes along with Sophie’s fake-boyfriend scheme despite barely understanding what is happening. He tends to stay out of the drama until Grandma takes a shot at him, at which point he can’t help but defend himself. Well-meaning, awkward, and very much along for the ride.