LMN’s gripping new psychological thriller There’s No Way Out explores the terrifying consequences of good intentions gone wrong. When compassionate nurse Shannon River (Elizabeth Longshaw) takes in two traumatized sisters found wandering the woods, she quickly discovers their mysterious past comes with dangerous consequences. As Shannon fights to protect Briar (Alayna Edwards) and Holly (Nikki Rae Hallow) from their threatening biological parents, she uncovers dark secrets that put all their lives at risk – proving that sometimes the most dangerous threats come from those closest to home.

This edge-of-your-seat thriller masterfully weaves together themes of family trauma, maternal instinct, and survival against impossible odds. As Shannon digs deeper into the girls’ disturbing history, she finds herself entangled in a web of legal battles, small-town secrets, and psychological manipulation. With standout performances from an incredible ensemble cast, There’s No Way Out will keep viewers guessing until the shocking final reveal.

There’s No Way Out: Cast Spotlight

1. Alayna Edwards as Briar

Alayna Edwards delivers a haunting performance as Briar, the older of the two mysterious sisters at the center of our story. Known for her breakout role in The Birch Grove, Edwards brings an unsettling mix of vulnerability and quiet intensity to Briar – a girl who has clearly survived more than any child should. Her recent work in Whispers in the Dark showcased her ability to portray complex young characters dealing with trauma.

Off-screen, Edwards is an advocate for foster care awareness, bringing personal passion to this emotionally charged role. As Briar, she masterfully walks the line between victim and potential threat, keeping audiences constantly questioning her true nature.

2. Nikki Rae Hallow as Holly

Nikki Rae Hallow stars as Holly, Briar’s younger sister whose innocent exterior may hide disturbing secrets. Hallow, a rising child actor from The Midnight Club and Creeped Out, demonstrates remarkable range as she portrays a child caught between terror and unexpected resilience. Her ability to switch from wide-eyed fear to unsettling calm makes Holly one of the film’s most intriguing characters.

At just 12 years old, Hallow prepared for the role by studying childhood trauma responses with a child psychologist. This dedication shows in her nuanced performance that avoids horror movie clichés, creating a character that feels heartbreakingly real.

3. Emily James as Juniper

Emily James (Riverdale, The Order) appears as Juniper, a social worker whose involvement in the case reveals troubling connections to the girls’ past. James brings her signature intensity to the role, portraying a bureaucrat who may be either ally or enemy. Her recent turn as a cult survivor in Sacred Lies proves her skill at playing women with hidden agendas.

James’ background in theater lends Juniper a compelling stage presence, particularly in her explosive confrontations with Shannon. Her character serves as the story’s moral compass – though which direction that compass points remains uncertain.

4. Elizabeth Longshaw as Shannon

Elizabeth Longshaw (Guilt, The Mist) leads the cast as Shannon, the nurse whose compassionate decision to foster the sisters plunges her into nightmare. Longshaw’s powerful performance captures every mother’s worst fear – that trying to help might bring danger into your home. Her Emmy-nominated work in Guilt demonstrated her gift for portraying ordinary women in extraordinary circumstances.

A mother herself, Longshaw drew on personal experience to create Shannon’s fierce protective instincts. Her chemistry with young co-stars Edwards and Hallow creates the emotional core that grounds even the film’s most terrifying moments in raw humanity.

5. Ashlee Pearce as Anne

Ashlee Pearce (Supernatural, The Good Doctor) takes on the role of Anne, the girls’ biological mother who arrives demanding their return. Pearce brings terrifying authenticity to the part, making Anne simultaneously sympathetic and menacing. Her work in Supernatural’s most chilling episodes proves her mastery of psychological horror.

Pearce prepared by studying real cases of parental alienation and Munchausen syndrome by proxy, creating a villain who believes she’s the hero of her own story. Her scenes with Longshaw crackle with tension as two mothers battle for the same children.

6. Stafford Perry as Stephen

Stafford Perry (Virgin River, When Calls the Heart) plays Stephen, Anne’s husband and the girls’ father. Perry brings unexpected depth to what could have been a one-note villain, showing glimpses of a man torn between his wife’s demands and what might be best for his daughters. His role in Virgin River as a troubled father showcased his ability to portray conflicted masculinity.

Perry’s physical presence adds to the film’s sense of looming threat, particularly in scenes where his character’s volatility threatens to erupt into violence at any moment.

7. Laird James Reghenas as Officer Edmunds

Laird James Reghenas (The Flash, Nancy Drew) appears as Officer Edmunds, the local cop caught between protocol and doing what’s right. Reghenas brings his trademark everyman charm to the role, making Edmunds a rare source of stability in the escalating chaos. His background in action series lends credibility to the character’s law enforcement experience.

Reghenas’ performance adds crucial moments of relief to the tension, while still maintaining the story’s unsettling atmosphere. His character’s arc raises important questions about how systems fail vulnerable children.

8. Marcus Rosner as Rob

Marcus Rosner (UnREAL, Arrow) rounds out the cast as Rob, Shannon’s supportive but increasingly concerned husband. Rosner brings warmth and relatability to the role of a man watching his wife’s life unravel. His experience in UnREAL playing complex romantic partners informs Rob’s struggle between supporting Shannon and protecting their family.

Rosner’s chemistry with Longshaw provides the film’s emotional anchor, making their marital strain one of the story’s most heartbreaking elements. His character represents the voice of reason in an increasingly irrational situation.