Any time a well-known actor steps out from behind the lens and into the role of a filmmaker, it comes with an additional layer of pressure. After starring in a string of big-screen hits, including Netflix’s Fair Play, Disney’s Solo: A Star Wars Story, Elizabeth Banks’ Cocaine Bear, and the Coen Brothers’ Hail, Caesar!, Alden Ehrenreich proves that his expansion into directing has come by way of learning the tricks of the trade from some of the industry’s best. The experience of working with top-tier directors effortlessly translates onto the screen in his short debut film, Shadow Brother Sunday. After watching the film, it’s easy to recognize that the guy’s got talent, and hopefully, this is just the beginning of a very storied and fruitful filmmaking career.

In Shadow Brother Sunday, which Ehrenreich wrote and directed, he transforms himself into Cole, an aspiring musician whose jealousy toward his famous brother seeps into dangerous territory. When Jacob (Nick Robinson), an actor on the rise, returns home to attend the premiere of his latest film with his family, the general mood in the household is celebratory and bright. That is, until Cole enters and brings with him a dark cloud of negativity and gloom. Frustrated with his financial situation and seeing an easy opportunity for quick cash, Cole entertains the idea of selling his brother’s personal information to a gossip site. The decision weighs on Cole; he loves his brother, yet feels entitled to the same amount of success that Jacob is currently basking in. Time is ticking, and Cole has to make a choice: stand by his brother, or sell him out.

Ehrenreich uses the film’s 15-minute runtime to craft a concise drama. The pacing hits the right tension notes and ends on a cliffhanger that will hopefully be addressed in a feature-length adaptation (one can dream!). As a filmmaker, Ehrenreich wanted to create as much authenticity for the actors as possible, which is why his performance is immersed in method acting–gaining over 20 pounds to fully embody Cole’s uncomfortable physical state. He also set up dinner parties so that the faux family could get acquainted off-camera and organically develop their relationships.

For transparency’s sake, Ehrenreich didn’t claim to take this project on alone. Shadow Brother Sunday is equipped with backing and support that most directors in the short film space only dream of, including Francis Ford Coppola serving as Executive Producer and Elizabeth Banks moderating the premiere’s Q&A. Still, Hollywood legends aside, the film could hold its own

As Ehrenreich continues down the directorial path with confidence and passion, I believe he could follow a similar trajectory to Bradley Cooper (Maestro, A Star is Born). Shadow Brother Sunday premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival and won a Special Jury Award for Excellence in Filmmaking from the Salute Your Shorts Film Festival. It qualifies to be considered for a 2024 Academy® Award.