Matreya Scarrwener is taking on one of her most challenging roles yet in Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story, where she portrays Katie, a character based on real-life Katie Fusco. Known for her performances in series like Fakes and Strange Empire, Scarrwener dives deep into a complex narrative of family, betrayal, and tragic loss in this Lifetime drama. In this exclusive interview, she opens up about what drew her to this intense role, her experience on set, and the meaningful connections she built with her co-stars. If you’re interested in true crime stories brought to life, The Alyssa Pladl Story is a must-watch, and Scarrwener’s insight here provides an intimate look at her journey into this gripping role. Check out the full interview below!
Can you tell us a bit about your character in Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story?
My character Katie in husband father killer is based on a real person named Katie Fusco. From everything I’ve read she was a very artistic and sensitive young woman. Katie was put up for adoption at 8 months old by her birth mother because of physical abuse at the hands of her biological father. the film tells the tragic and complicated story of her reconnecting with her birth parents.
What initially attracted you to your role in Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Storyr?
To be completely honest, the subject matter terrified me, and I almost didn’t do the project. What got me really excited about it was when I had a chance to meet the team behind it – director Elisabeth Röhm and our producers Kara Fiefer and Stacey Mandelberg. I met them over zoom, and I thought “man, I want to work with those people. I hope this works out”. Lis seamed to approach the story in a truly curious and non- judgmental way. She had such respect for the real-life people whose story we were telling. Lis said to me “some stories make us want to look away but we’re artists and these are real people, what if we looked towards it instead”
What do you think makes this movie so special and captivating?
Yes, the story is captivating. It is unlike anything I had ever heard before and It deals with themes of abuse, manipulation, and parent-child incest. It was difficult getting through the script the first time I read it and It is rare that a story that is this difficult. But captivating and special are words that are totally fair to use. The story does feel unbelievable. To answer the question, I think the reason is because it’s unimaginable, but it is real people’s lives. It’s not fiction.
What do you hope audiences take away from watching Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story?
Alyssa Pladl has been quoted saying “I’m grieving. I’m sad. I’m upset. But I also want to have something good come out of this. If it’s to get truth out there, to open people’s eyes to incest.”
Although I never spoke to her personally, Alyssa Pladl was actually quite involved in the telling of this story. (As she absolutely should have been of course. It is her story.)
I believe more often than not that there is value in shining a light on real life.
What was it like working with the rest of the cast on set?
I was the luckiest and I got to work with Jackie Cruz and Matthew Maccaull. I feel really blessed as a younger actor to work with actors that good. You get to learn just by being around them. They are both very cool people. I immediately felt a bond with Jackie, we actually had a lot of fun together. And of course, I was nervous about who was going to play Steven, but Matthew Maccaull is such a kind man. We developed a very real sort of camaraderie and friendship. Like we were in it together. Belle Ferguson and Jocelyn Picard played my younger sisters, and I love those girls to death. They are both so sweet, wise, and talented. I could go on about the individuals who played my adoptive family as well. Very lucky.
What can you tease about your character Journey?
I feel like my understanding of Katie’s journey is completely different after filming than it was before. I can never know what was going on inside Katie Pladl’s head, but my understanding of Katie’s journey is the story of someone who had strong desire for connection with her birth parent. She trusted someone who should have protected her, and that strong parent/child bond was manipulated into something very sinister. Katie’s journey ultimately did lead her to finding the strength to try to move on from what happened. That should not be forgotten.
What was your favorite scene or moment while filming Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story?
When Katie comes home to spend time with the family that raised her, there is a scene where her father tells her that it’s not too late for her. Her life is not over. It felt like a real turning point for Katie and a bit of hope. The person who played Anthony Fusco was such a lovely actor. I also quite liked shooting the scene in the backyard where Katie is drawing Alyssa. I just think it’s such a sweet scene. And any scene that Josie and Belle were in, we always had a lot of fun.
Change of subject, What have been some of the most memorable projects you have worked on throughout your career, and why?
A few years ago, we shot a series called “Fakes” for CBC gem. It was some of the most fun I’ve ever had. It was a super funny, well written, wild half hour comedy. By total coincidence, the cast was just filled up with my friends. I actually think I knew every single person in the cast, except for maybe one or two people. Another really memorable job was “Strange Empire”. It was my very first series regular. It was a western so we would just be riding horses, watching the sunrise over these beautiful rolling hills in Langley BC, while talking like cowboys! I also did a play when I was very young called “Armstrong’s War”. It was a two person play at The Arts Club theatre, and I was beyond terrified. I really wanted to do a good job. But that was a very very cool experience for me.
Can you tease something about your next projects?
Yes! I I’ll be in an upcoming episode of “The Irrational” on NBC. A super fun role. I’ll also be appearing in the season finale of “Alert: Missing Person’s Unit”. In both The Irrational and Alert, I got to wear a beautiful gown. I love pretty dresses, man. I also have a horror movie coming out at some point next year called “Sawtooth Mountain”. My role in Sawtooth was supposed to be played by Jess McLeod but they got hit by an actual car (they are totally fine now) so I stepped in last minute.
“Husband, Father, Killer: The Alyssa Pladl Story” starring Matreya Scarrwener premiered on Saturday, October 19th on Lifetime Channel.
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