In his most recent role, the actor delves into the mind of a complex villain in a story ripped from the headlines.
In Lifetime’s “Monster in the Family: The Stacey Kananen Story,” Brendan Taylor faces a unique acting challenge: portraying a character who is both a sympathetic brother and a calculating manipulator. The film, part of the network’s “ripped from the headlines” slate, tells the harrowing true story of a family torn apart when a brother’s dark secret comes to light, forcing his sister to fight for her innocence .
For Taylor, a actor with an impressive list of credits in shows like ‘Fargo’, ‘Arrow’, and ‘Bates Motel’, this role was an opportunity to explore the complexities of a man shaped by profound trauma .
Finding the Man Within the Monster
Playing Rickie Kananen was a delicate balancing act. Taylor describes the character as someone who desperately craves a normal life and loving family relationships .
“It was a fun role and it was a challenging role. I like those more complex roles like that,” Taylor shared in an interview. “The easiest way to describe it is it comes to really understanding and getting in touch with the trauma that they went through” .
This nuanced approach meant finding the humanity in a character who does monstrous things. Taylor explains that from Rickie’s perspective, his actions are driven by a desire for what he thought he was owed—”the bare minimum of what he could have to try to have a normal life” . This moral complexity creates a dilemma for viewers, who may find themselves sympathetic to Rickie up to a point before his character undergoes a dramatic transition .
ALSO READ: The Chair Company Review: Tim Robinson Brings His Delightfully Unhinged Vibe to HBO
The Weight of a True Story
“Monster in the Family” is based on the real-life story of the Kananen family, adapted from the memoir “Fear of Our Father: The True Story of Abuse, Murder, and Family Ties” . Taylor revealed that for research, the team had access to actual court depositions available online .
Portraying a real person, even one who isn’t a public figure, brings its own set of sensitivities. Taylor’s approach was to honor the person by deeply understanding their perspective.
“Honouring it still might end up seeming immoral but honouring in the sense of just really trying to tell it from their perspective and not skew it in any way,” he said. “Through that honesty is what you connect to as an audience” .
Director Jessica Harmon encouraged this authentic approach, advising Taylor to “be there present and let the words do it,” which allowed for a more honest performance .
Building a Believable Family Dynamic
A significant part of the film’s emotional weight rests on the relationship between Rickie and his sister Stacey, played by Elisha Cuthbert. Taylor had nothing but praise for his scene partner, noting her professionalism and commitment to the story .
“Elisha’s fantastic… I was fully blown away at her level of professionalism and fluency with a film set, and blocking and storytelling and her input,” Taylor said. “She just took charge in the best way of trying to serve the story” .
Their collaborative process involved discussing the script between shots and ensuring they were aligned with the director on their characters’ journey. “We both came as prepped as we can and it’s so fun to play with someone who’s just game and has no ego about it,” Taylor added .
The Demands of the Role
The non-chronological shooting schedule presented one of the biggest challenges, with heavy emotional scenes often shot out of sequence . Taylor described the final truck scene as particularly intense, requiring hours spent in a “peak heightened emotional state” .
He also shared his philosophy on performing emotionally draining scenes: “If characters are sad and angry, and you’re storming around sad and angry on set, you’re doing it wrong. What you should probably feel is tired and just spent and used up in the best sense for what you’ve given to it” .
A Career Built on Complex Characters
When asked about his favorite roles from his extensive career, Taylor pointed to several standout experiences. While he enjoyed his time on ‘Bates Motel’ and ‘Supernatural’, his role in ‘Fargo’ season two holds a special place, despite being a smaller part .
“That season in particular is one of my favorite seasons of any show I’ve ever seen and I happen to have a part in it, which is even more mind blowing,” Taylor said. “I just love the Cohen Brothers vibe” .
Looking Forward
As for what’s next, Taylor is optimistic about the future. He’s currently splitting his time between Vancouver and Los Angeles, a move he sees as expanding his horizons .
“I’m feeling pretty good about it,” he said of his professional prospects. The momentum from “Monster in the Family” coupled with his upcoming projects suggests audiences will be seeing more of Taylor’s nuanced performances in the future .
When he’s not acting, Taylor is an avid cook, with a particular interest in wok cooking and Asian cuisine—a passion that began after he renovated his home and got a new stove . He’s even open to the idea of a travel and cooking show, should the opportunity arise .
“Monster in the Family: The Stacey Kananen Story” is now available to stream on Lifetime and various platforms .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ‘Monster in the Family’ about?
The film tells the true story of Stacey Kananen, who survived an abusive childhood only to face further trauma when her brother, Rickie, confesses to killing their parents and then claims she helped him commit the crimes .
Where was the movie filmed?
“Monster in the Family” was filmed entirely in British Columbia, with production primarily taking place in Kelowna .
How can I watch the movie?
The film is available to stream on Philo until November 13, 2025. It can also be rented or purchased on platforms like Amazon Video and Fandango At Home .
Is this based on a true story?
Yes, the movie is based on the memoir “Fear of Our Father: The True Story of Abuse, Murder, and Family Ties” by Lisa Bonnice and Stacey Kananen, and is part of Lifetime’s “ripped from the headlines” series .
What makes Brendan Taylor’s performance in this movie noteworthy?
Taylor brings nuance to a challenging role, creating a character who is both sympathetic and menacing. His performance explores the complexity of a man shaped by trauma without excusing his actions .
“Monster in the Family: The Stacey Kananen Story” offers a compelling look at family trauma and resilience, anchored by powerful performances from its lead actors. Check it out on Lifetime to experience this gripping true story for yourself.
