Actress Alexa PenaVega (“Spy Kids,” “Destination Wedding”) enters complex family dynamics in Lifetime’s upcoming film “Before Your Father Finds Us,” premiering this weekend. The new project once again brings her faith and commitment to meaningful stories to the forefront.
The story centers on Alex (PenaVega) and her daughter Emily doing everything it takes to survive Alex’s ex-husband and prison escapee, Mason (Tamon Penikett) and his attempt to reunite his family.
“I don’t want to say it was scary or hard to play, because I actually found it to be really fun, but it was definitely an emotional experience,” she said. “When you get kids involved, it’s just different. If you’re fighting for your life, that’s hard, but the second your babies are involved, like just something else comes out.”
Beyond the physical demands of the film, the actress also appreciated that it allowed her to dive into a subtle but substantial element of Alex’s faith.
“To be to play this role and have so many faith elements, it was really just a huge blessing,” she said. “It was just very, very real. She’s not like cramming faith down anybody’s throat. We kind of got this inside glimpse of what her relationship with God looked like, and how she would seek him out to get through this situation.”
Her journey of spiritual vulnerability mirrors the film’s exploration of complex family relationships. PenaVega recently experienced a profound personal challenge with a stillbirth, an experience that deepened her understanding of faith and resilience.
“(God) was so gracious with how he showed up in that season of our life and gave us an unreal amount of peace,” she said, referencing her spiritual journey through personal tragedy.
During that season, PenaVega said the Bible spoke directly to her, offering comfort and guidance.
“What’s beautiful about Scripture is that there’s so much depth to it,” PenaVega explained. “Depending on the season you’re in, God reveals something totally new as you’re reading the Word.”
The actress’s approach to faith-based storytelling reflects a broader trend in entertainment, with platforms like Lifetime increasingly embracing narratives that explore spiritual themes. PenaVega sees these projects as opportunities to share meaningful messages of hope and resilience.
PenaVega’s career has been marked by a deliberate choice to pursue projects that align with her faith and personal beliefs. “Before Your Father Finds Us” represents another step forward.
“Sometimes we have to make our prayers bigger than what we can handle,” she reflected, quoting a sermon that deeply impacted her. “When stepping out on faith, it’s about seeing God in big prayers – something that might seem ridiculous to others.”
“Before Your Father Finds Us,” starring PenaVega & Tamon Penikett, premieres this weekend on Lifetime television.
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