“Crisis Actor, , Sundance short from Writer/Director Lily Platt screened on Sunday, January 25, 2026.
“Crisis Actor,” written and directed by Lily Platt, highlights Sarah Steele, an actress whose face is instantly recognizable. Although the 13 minute Sundance short relates a message that there are people who thrive on drama, Steele carries the film on talented shoulders. She is ably supported by Philip Ettinger, who has 56 roles to his credit, himself.
The role for which much of America recognizes Steele is Marissa Gold on “The Good Fight.” Steele won an award as Best American Actress (Septimius Award) playing Marissa Gold, the daughter of Alan Cumming’s Eli Gold, for 58 episodes between 2017 and 2022.
Her character Celine in “Crisis Actor” has just lost her day job. She lost the job partially because of her own high-strung histrionics. As she is leaving, Celine shares a cigarette on the street with a fellow Al-Anon member (Philip Ettinger, “First Reformed”) before accompanying him to the meeting and then on to his apartment. Philip’s character shares that he just kicked his sister out of his apartment, because of her over-the-top drama/drug habit. He physically demonstrates, to Celine, that being around his sister is like being constantly jolted.
His high-drama sister arrives in person and interrupts a conversation the two are having about spontaneity, fighting, and crisis relationships. We also learn, early on, that Celine broke up with boyfriend Henry six months before, but she has been holding Henry’s belongings hostage.
CONCLUSION
It’s all in character and in keeping with the aptly titled short “Crisis Actor.” The original score by Luca-Scoppett Stern is good, especially the song “Hit & Run,” written by Anna Schwab and Alexandra Lily Cohen and performed by Sadie.
Why do I get the feeling that Lily Platt, daughter of Oliver Platt, has firsthand experience with high-strung crisis actor types? Not a lot more happening in this one, but Sarah Steele moves through its brief paces with the confidence and expertise of a true pro.
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Post Script: On 1.28/2026
The Short Film Jury Award: U.S. Fiction was awarded to: Lily Platt for Crisis Actor / U.S.A. (Director, Screenwriter, and Producer: Lily Platt, Producers: Sophie Seyd, Alex Bendo, Lexi Preiser) — Fired from her day job, an impulsive actress crashes a support group and spirals into a chaotic night that forces her to face her addiction to drama. Cast: Sarah Steele, Philip Ettinger. World Premiere. Available online for public.
Jury citation: This short is uniquely brilliant in its ability to balance laugh-out-loud levity with the emotional pain of honest self-reflection. This film is a succinct display of craft in writing, directing, acting, and a deeply insightful depiction of the distorted state of American values today. The Short Film Jury Award for U.S. Fiction goes to Crisis Actor.
