Sophia and her teenage daughter Emily live in the suffocating shadow of the past, hiding in plain sight under new identities. Haunted by the relentless violence of her ex-husband, Sophia’s only armor is her unwavering religious faith and sheer maternal instinct. Every creak of the floorboard, every knock at the door, is a terrifying reminder that their fragile sanctuary could shatter in an instant. In this nerve-shredding race against time, Sophia must shield Emily not just from physical danger, but from the crushing fear that threatens to consume them both.

As whispers of their whereabouts surface, Sophia’s faith is pushed to its breaking point. Her ex-husband’s rage draws closer, turning their haven into a gilded cage. With resources dwindling and trust scarce, Sophia must rely on divine guidance and her own fractured courage to outsmart a predator who will stop at nothing to reclaim what he sees as his. Can a mother’s love and prayers outrun a monster’s vengeance? Don’t miss this gripping tale of survival and sacrifice, premiering Thursday, June 26, 2025, only on Lifetime.

The cast list of Before Your Father Finds Us:

1. Jason Bourque (Director)

Jason Bourque is a seasoned director specializing in high-stakes thrillers, particularly within the Lifetime ecosystem. With credits like The Wrong Cheerleader, Stalked by My Doctor: The Return, and The Night They Knocked, Bourque has mastered the art of building relentless tension and crafting relatable heroines in peril. His visual style emphasizes claustrophobic suspense and emotional rawness, making him uniquely suited for intimate, character-driven survival stories.

Directing Before Your Father Finds Us, Bourque leverages his expertise to amplify the film’s core themes: the terror of pursuit, the weight of secrecy, and the fierce resilience of a mother protecting her child. Expect taut pacing, atmospheric dread, and performances mined for maximum emotional impact, transforming Sophia’s desperate fight into a visceral viewing experience.

2. Alexa PenaVega as Sophia

Alexa PenaVega transitioned from her breakout role in Spy Kids to become a compelling force in dramatic thrillers, notably within the Lifetime network (Perfect Plan, Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken voice role). Her recent work showcases a depth in portraying women grappling with trauma, strength, and complex emotional landscapes, moving far beyond her early family-friendly image.

As Sophia, PenaVega embodies a mother fractured by past abuse yet galvanized by faith and love for her daughter. She conveys the character’s constant vigilance, simmering terror, and quiet determination with raw authenticity. PenaVega’s performance anchors the film, making Sophia’s spiritual struggle and physical fight for survival deeply resonant and heartbreakingly real.

3. Tahmoh Penikett as the Menacing Ex-Husband

Tahmoh Penikett is renowned for his ability to portray intense, often morally complex characters, from the noble Helo in Battlestar Galactica to chilling antagonists in shows like Supernatural and Castle. His physical presence and capacity to project controlled menace or explosive rage make him a formidable screen presence, adept at embodying both subtle threat and overt brutality.

Penikett’s unnamed ex-husband is the terrifying engine driving the plot. He embodies the pervasive dread Sophia and Emily flee from – a figure of relentless entitlement and violence. Penikett’s portrayal promises a villain who is terrifyingly plausible, his pursuit fueled by a toxic mix of obsession, control, and rage, making him a truly harrowing adversary.

4. Jaeda Lily Miller as Emily

Jaeda Lily Miller gained recognition for her role as Molly on the hit sitcom The Conners, showcasing her talent for balancing youthful vulnerability with perceptive wit. Her transition into dramatic territory demonstrates significant range, proving her ability to handle weightier themes of trauma, fear, and adolescent resilience under pressure.

As Emily, Miller portrays a teenager forced into an unnatural life of secrecy and fear, grieving the normalcy stolen from her. She captures the character’s complex mix of adolescent longing, paralyzing fear, burgeoning courage, and deep bond with her mother. Miller’s performance is crucial, highlighting the profound impact of abuse and the flickering hope that sustains them both in the shadows.