2022 got off to a shaky start, but it’s certainly making up for it by delivering some brilliant content—no one can deny the joy sparked from a whole new season of Queer Eye, nor the nostalgic trip down memory lane the Harry Potter reunion special provided.
But when it comes to films, the first on our radar for this year is Netflix’s mystery thriller, Brazen. Based on the popular novel Brazen Virtue by Nora Roberts, the film adaptation follows prominent mystery writer and crime expert Grace, who rushes back to her home in Washington D.C. to find her sister has died. With her cover now blown, she becomes embroiled in the criminal investigation.
We’ll admit the film is no Da Vinci Code, but it’s got a tantalising plot line that keeps the viewer on their toes throughout.
Of course, there is another element of the film that’s all-too mysterious: Trying to figure out where on earth we’ve seen the cast before—because yes, they’re all very familiar.
So, we did the research. Keep scrolling as we look at the talented cast and the projects they’ve headlined before—some will surprise you.
Alyssa Milano plays Grace
We’d be surprised if you didn’t recognise Alyssa Milano, who leads the film as the main character Grace. She first rose to fame for her roles as Jennifer Mancini in Melrose Place, and Phoebe Halliwell in Charmed. Since then, Milano has continued to carve out her own path in Hollywood, scoring several guest roles in the likes of Grey’s Anatomy and Project Runway.
But Milano’s most important work is undoubtedly through her activism. Over the years, she’s been a vocal supporter and ally of the LGBTQI+ community, as well as becoming a UNICEF ambassador, with her efforts focussed on controlling neglected tropical diseases.
More recently, she helped to revive the #MeToo movement, which was first started in 2006 by Tarana Burke. As the Harvey Weinstein accusations came to light in 2017, Milano pushed the hashtag on Twitter, which garnered a global response and became a leading movement in the world’s fight against sexual harassment and assault.
Samuel Page plays Ed
Yes, you’ve definitely seen Samuel Page in at least one TV show from his impressive repertoire. He played Joan’s wife Greg in Mad Men, Sam Allen in Desperate Housewives, Connor Ellis in House of Cards, and, of course, Richard Hunter in The Bold Type. You really can’t miss him. While Samuel Page makes a convincing case as a feature film actor in Brazen, his work in television is what catapulted him into fame.
Malachi Weir plays Ben
Malachi Weir is perhaps best known for his role as Lonnie Watley on Billions, though his resume extends to appearances in other major television shows including Wisdom Of The Crowd and Law & Order. Weir has also dabbled in films, most notably the emotional drama Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.
Emilie Ullerup plays Kathleen
Emilie Ullerup was exposed to famous circles pretty much from birth, with her father holding the title of Lord Chamberlain for the Danish Royal Family. She decided to pave her own path on the global stage however, scoring her first acting role in 2006 in the remake television series of Battlestar Galactica. Since then, she starred in television drama Chesapeake Shores as Bree O’Brien, and she’s made her mark on the Hallmark hall of fame by featuring in no less than 10 of its feel-good series over the past five years.
Colleen Wheeler plays Senator Baxter
More recently, you might recognise Colleen Wheeler from popular thriller series, Yellowjackets, but this is far from the actor’s only claim to fame.
She starred in television series, X-Men: Evolution, and she also appeared alongside Jessica Biel in2012 feature film, The Tall Man.
Matthew Finlan plays Jerald Baxter
Matthew Finlan is an actor known best for his role as Bart in the Television series, Frankie Drake Mysteries. He also made a small guest appearance in CBC’s comedy sitcom Workin’ Moms.
