Cady Langton (30s): A woman whose quiet strength belies the profound trauma she's endured. Cady is fiercely protective and deeply empathetic, yet initially struggles with emotional dissociation, having been silenced by abuse. Her extraordinary journey is a powerful testament to human resilience, as she navigates two sharply contrasting worlds – a brutal reality of domestic violence and the bizarre, creative artistry of a special effects shop. She strives to reclaim her voice, imagination, and power for herself and her beloved children. This demanding role requires an actor capable of portraying deep vulnerability alongside growing determination and fierce intelligence.

Prism Langton (8): Cady's spirited and direct daughter, Prism is fiercely loyal and deeply protective of her mother. She possesses a vibrant personality, allowing her to express fear and anger more outwardly than her brother, Parker, processing her emotional turmoil through clear reactions. Beneath this outward expression, Prism secretly longs for the magic, stability, and unburdened joy of a normal childhood, a desire central to her mother's vision. This crucial role requires an actor who can beautifully balance youthful spunk, genuine innocence, and the profound emotional weight of a child grappling with family upheaval and embracing creativity and hope.

Parker Langton (6): Cady's sensitive and observant son, grappling profoundly with the trauma of witnessing his mother's abuse. Parker is an intelligent and imaginative child, often processing his fear and complex emotions through quiet observation and a reliance on tangible facts, seeking order in chaos. He desperately needs to rediscover his capacity to trust adults again, particularly after betrayal. This journey of healing sees his innate curiosity for the extraordinary blossom within the world of OddFX. The actor for Parker needs to convey the tender innocence of childhood shattered by trauma, alongside a blossoming resilience and a genuine fascination for the fantastic.

Barrett Jones (50s-60s): The eccentric and surprisingly empathetic owner of OddFX, Barrett is a visionary artist who operates on his own truly unique logic, finding profound beauty and truth in the creation of fantastic cinematic illusions. Beneath his gruff exterior and lifelong obsession with movie magic, he possesses a deep well of kindness and an unconventional wisdom. He becomes a crucial, unexpected mentor and protector for Cady and her children, ultimately becoming a foundational member of their newfound, supportive family. This multifaceted role needs an actor capable of conveying significant gravitas, nuanced humor, and a genuine, profound warmth and wisdom.

Nolan Langton (40s): The chillingly manipulative, abusive husband from whom Cady desperately flees, Nolan embodies insidious control. He relentlessly uses emotional manipulation, intimidation, and calculated violence to maintain absolute power over his family, seeking to utterly destroy Cady's autonomy. He is the story's relentless antagonist, seamlessly presenting a charming facade while harboring a deeply dangerous and volatile interior. His pursuit is unwavering, making his very presence a constant, unsettling, and pervasive threat to Cady and her children's newfound freedom. This crucial role demands an actor capable of conveying this deceptive normalcy while hinting at a terrifying, brutal core.

Detective Wu (40s-50s): A sharp and tenacious specialist in "Homicide Prevention" for domestic violence cases, Detective Wu is far more than a compassionate police detective. Her deep understanding of trauma allows her to immediately recognize the severity of Cady's situation, skillfully cutting through Cady's dissociation to provide crucial initial support and strategic guidance through the daunting legal system. Wu embodies quiet intensity and unwavering commitment, navigating bureaucratic hurdles as Cady's vital, steadfast ally against an insidious abuser. This role demands an actor projecting authority, unwavering professionalism, and profound, nuanced empathy.

Teisha Ramos (30s): A vital resident of the domestic violence shelter, Teisha offers Cady a crucial connection to solidarity and practical, lived advice during an incredibly vulnerable time. Always accompanied by her loyal dog, Frida, Teisha is grounded, deeply understanding, and radiates genuine empathy, having profoundly navigated the complexities of the shelter system herself. She profoundly represents the vital "found family" aspect within the shelter, providing Cady with a relatable confidante and a deep sense of shared experience that is absolutely crucial for Cady's emotional healing. This role calls for an actor who can embody warmth, resilience, and a non-judgmental, truly supportive spirit.

Thena Jones (50s): The elegant and discerning wife of OddFX owner Barrett, Thena is far more than just a supportive spouse; she is a sharp observer and a powerful advocate for fairness and truth. Initially seen watching the crew from afar, she quickly recognizes Cady's unique talent and the unfair treatment she sometimes receives from the male-dominated team. Thena is pragmatic yet deeply empathetic, offering wise, insightful counsel to Barrett and directly empowering Cady to make her own crucial decisions. This pivotal role requires an actor who can portray quiet strength, keen intelligence, and a warm, maternal presence that effectively cuts through workplace dynamics.

Rick (30s-40s): The cynical but highly skilled director of photography at OddFX, Rick is initially skeptical and subtly dismissive of Cady, preferring to remain grounded purely in the practicalities of filmmaking. He’s sharp-witted and direct, challenging Cady's presence and methods, yet ultimately witnesses her resilience. Rick undergoes a compelling character arc, moving from initial resistance to a begrudging, then genuine, alliance, and finally a deep respect for her talent and unwavering resolve. This pivotal role requires an actor with excellent comedic timing, a nuanced understanding of character transformation, and a subtle knack for conveying understated empathy within a fantastical environment.

Rocky (20s-30s): A genuinely kind-hearted and earnest member of the OddFX crew, Rocky embodies the pure, unbridled joy of creativity within the shop. He is a fiercely loyal and supportive team player, consistently among the most openly welcoming to Cady, offering her comfort and encouragement without reservation. Rocky's infectious enthusiasm for special effects and his good-natured spirit provide much-needed warmth and light-heartedness, balancing the team's more cynical members. He represents the potential for unexpected allyship and genuine connection, making him a truly vital part of Cady's journey toward healing and finding a new family. This role calls for an actor who can radiate sincerity, warmth, and an authentic, optimistic energy.

Yamiah (20s-30s): An integral and often understated member of the OddFX crew, Yamiah brings a quiet intensity and exceptional artistic precision to his intricate work. He is highly observant, keenly focused on the details that bring cinematic illusions to life, and his dedicated craftsmanship contributes significantly to the shop’s unique, creative dynamic. While not outwardly boisterous, Yamiah's thoughtful approach and subtle support make him a valuable presence within the ensemble, particularly as Cady navigates her new environment. This role suits an actor who can convey deep concentration, intellectual curiosity, and a powerful, yet nuanced, supportive presence that speaks volumes without needing many words, subtly enhancing the team's strength.

Director Kumar (50s): The tenacious and empathetic director of the shelter, Kumar is far more than just a supportive figure; she is a sharp observer and a powerful advocate for fairness and truth. Initially seen managing the shelter with a firm hand, she quickly recognizes Cady's unique situation and the systemic challenges she faces. Kumar is pragmatic yet deeply empathetic, offering wise, insightful counsel to Cady and directly empowering her to make her own crucial decisions. This pivotal role requires an actor who can portray quiet strength, keen intelligence, and a warm, maternal presence that effectively cuts through complex emotional and bureaucratic dynamics.