SONNY – a once-promising writer and the oldest son of Frank and Patti Caso. He returns home after accepting a successful writing career is not in the cards and to make amends with his ailing father.

FRANK – a proud Italian American from New York who pulled himself up from his bootstraps. He loves his family but governs the home with the old-school values he grew up with. Frank often clashes with his son’s desire to be a writer.

PATTI – the heart and soul of the family. When Sonny returns home, she is his rock, encouraging him that there is still time for him to find his way in the world. Still, Patti’s support of her family belies a pain she has also harbored her life from not feeling seen or getting the chance to pursue her dreams.

MARCUS is a bright and talented young man whose complicated relationship with his father mirrors Sonny’s. He pushes Sonny to his breaking point.

Kristen Hansen is a director, actor, and writer born and raised in Los Angeles. As a young child, she was drawn to storytelling through drawing and acting. The stories she listened to as a young girl captivated her imagination and eventually led to a path in the creative arts. In 2008, she received her master’s in acting from Rutgers University and dived into filmmaking shortly after. Her work includes award-winning shorts such as Adored, Already Gone, Reflections, Progress, The Violet Hour, The Nicest, and Sticks and Stones. Sonny Boy is Kristen's feature film debut.