Naman Shrestha
Inspired by true events, Lifetime’s ‘Monster in the Family: The Stacey Kananen Story’ is a crime thriller drama movie that revolves around Stacey Kananen, whose childhood is filled with instances of abuse and fear while being raised by a set of volatile parents, alongside her brother, Rickie Kananen. Her world turns upside down when Rickie tells her that he killed their parents. However, when he accuses Stacey of being his accomplice and helping him commit the gruesome crimes, she embarks on a complicated mission to prove her innocence. A part of the network’s ‘Ripped from the Headlines’ slate, the Jessica Harmon directorial manages to create tension with the help of a series of locations, including Stacey’s residence and her family’s house, where she endures abuse in her childhood.
Where Was Monster in the Family: The Stacey Kananen Story Filmed?
The shooting for ‘Monster in the Family: The Stacey Kananen Story’ was carried out entirely in British Columbia, particularly in Kelowna. From the looks of it, the principal photography for the Lifetime production commenced in May 2025 and wrapped up after a few weeks in June of the same year. Luvia Petersen, one of the crew members, opened up about her experience of shooting the film, stating, “Getting to work alongside Elisha Cuthbert was such a gift! She’s every bit as kind as she is talented. Big thank you to Jessica Harmon for being a stellar director and to the incredible Kelowna crew who made the shoot such a fantastic experience.”
Kelowna, British Columbia
For the purpose of filming, the cast and crew of ‘Monster in the Family: The Stacey Kananen’ visited Kelowna in the westernmost province of British Columbia. The production team settled upon many locales in the city to showcase the harrowing trauma Stacey endures as a child at the hands of her father, as well as the betrayal her brother inflicts on her. Many factors in Kelowna played a pivotal role in serving as an ideal backdrop for the emotionally charged film. Aside from its world-renowned wine industry and breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake and Valley, the city is also known for its contributions to the visual aesthetic of various film and TV productions.
The versatile climate and diverse locations, which radiate historic charm, natural warmth, and modern vibrancy, make it easy to recreate the setting of a variety of projects. Not only that, but it also boasts first-rate production facilities, cooperative local authorities, and incentives, further attracting filmmakers to set up camp in the region. Over the years, Kelowna has hosted the filming of several movies, such as ‘A Wife’s Nightmare,’ ‘A Score to Settle,’ ‘Girl in the Attic,’ ‘The Boy Who Vanished,’ and ‘The Ice Rink Murders.’
Monster in the Family: The Stacey Kananen Story Cast Details
The Jessica Harmon directorial is led by the compelling performances of Elisha Cuthbert and Brendan Taylor. Elisha began her career as a foot model and went on to grab the role of an extra in ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark?’ before making her film debut in ‘Dancing on the Moon.’ Originally from the Great White North, Elisha moved to the City of Angels in California when she was just 17. With big dreams and fiery passion to make a name for herself, she made a breakthrough at the turn of the century with her work in ’24’ and ‘The Girl Next Door.’ Since then, she has amassed decades of experience and established herself as a versatile artist. With over 60 credits as an actor and 50 as a set dresser/designer to his name, Brendan Taylor is a multi-talented individual through and through. Though it marks the first time Elisha and Brendan share the screen, their conviction and camaraderie shine through, thus making the film an immersive watch.
Elisha Cuthbert as Stacey Kananen
In the thriller film, Elisha Cuthbert steps into the titular character of Stacey Kananen, a vulnerable woman torn between her past and present. She is widely known for her portrayal of the free-spirited and commanding Danielle in ‘The Girl Next Door,’ Megan/Young girl in ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark?,’ Kim Bauer in ’24,’ Katlin in ‘My Daughter’s Secret Life,’ and Abby Phillips in ‘The Ranch.’ You can also spot her as Carly Jones in ‘House of Wax,’ Carol-Anne/American Goddess in ‘Love Actually,’ Lizzy in ‘One Big Happy,’ and Alex Kerkovich in ‘Happy Endings’ as well as ‘Happy Endings: Happy Rides.’ Her other popular credits include ‘The Quiet,’ ‘Bandit,’ ‘The Cellar,’ ‘The Plateaus,’ ‘Just Before I Go,’ ‘The Forgotten,’ ‘Guns,’ ‘Ny-Lon,’ and ‘The Wheaties!’
Brendan Taylor as Rickie Kananen
Brendan Taylor portrays the role of Rickie Kananen in the Lifetime production. You may recognize him from his performance as Mutt in ‘Firefly Lane,’ Pierre in ‘Fargo,’ Officer Doug Stover in ‘Supernatural,’ Isaac in ‘The Arrangement,’ and Howard in ‘The Magicians.’ He also won the Best Actor Award for his portrayal of Frank in ‘A New Leash on Life’ at the 2020 Portland Comedy Film Festival. Some of his other works include movies and shows such as ‘Creepshow,’ ‘Secret History of Comics,’ ‘Christmas at the Golden Dragon,’ ‘The Picture of Christmas,’ ‘Be Still,’ ‘Noell,’ and ‘A Whirlwind Wedding.’
The cast also comprises a talented bunch of actors in supporting roles. Elijah Fox essays the character of Rickie, while Indy Lesage stars as Christopher. ‘Monster in the Family: The Stacey Kananen’ also features Pete MacLeod as Richard Kananen Sr., as well as Jamie Nelson as Amber.
Read More: Lifetime’s A Stranger’s Child: Filming Locations and Cast Details
