“Ballistic” is set to release in select theatres and On Demand April 17, 2026
Latasha M. Ford with Awards Buzz had the pleasure of speaking with Lena Headey and Director/Writer Chad Faust regarding their new thriller, “Ballistic.”
During our conversation, Lena Headey discussed her role in the film, highlighting the creative freedom to portray authentic emotions and the collaborative environment fostered by the director. Our discussion explores the intense emotional process behind key scenes, including the vocal and strategic decisions involved in her performance.
Furthermore, we delved into the commitment required to film high-stakes emotional scenes on the first day of production and explored how the profound bond between parents and children fuels these performances. This behind-the-scenes look offers valuable insights for both aspiring actors and film enthusiasts.
The piece explores the many dimensions of this production, ranging from the staggering statistics regarding soldiers’ lives to the 13-year journey of evolving the project from a father-focused stage play into a mother-driven thriller movie starring Lena Headey. We examine the investigative process behind the film’s core themes of sacrifice and provision, the creative hurdles of blending drama with the thriller genre, and the director’s experience of releasing the project to the world. Additionally, the feature highlights the film’s setting in the Rust Belt and the message behind its striking visual imagery.
Check out full interviews below:
“Well, some of it honestly becomes logistical. I was trying to shoot the whole film as chronologically as possible, at least by location. We started in the house. I thought, “I’m just gonna get her [Lena Headey] comfortable in her house, and then we’ll go out into the world.” So we actually did. The whole first week was in the house, but I thought, “Okay, let’s try to shoot completely chronologically in the house.” An actor missed a flight, and we suddenly had to rearrange everything. I was like, “I’m sorry, Lena, can you, can you do the most difficult scene first?” Chad Faust
Lena Headey on what intrigued her most about her character: “Thanks for asking that! Rarity! That’s exactly the joy for me, it’s really rare to get something. You know, when you do small films, you’re kind of allowed to look a certain way and be a certain way because nobody thinks, “If you’re not beautiful and digestible, we can’t sell the film,” right? So to do something like this where it’s just, free- I can get up and go. I don’t have to look pretty. I can just be tired; that’s enough. It’s liberating and beautiful.” Lena Headey
About “Ballistic”
The story follows a mother, played by Lena Headey, who discovers that the bullet that killed her son during his service in Afghanistan was manufactured at the very factory where she works. This revelation sets her on a path of revenge against those she holds responsible.
In addition to Lena Headey, the film features a strong ensemble cast including Amybeth McNulty as Diana, Jordan Kronis as Jesse Redfield, Amanda Brugel as Galindo, Hamza Haq as Kahlil Nabizada, and Enrico Colantoni as Rick Barber. The production also includes performances by Chad Faust, Paolo Mancini, and Kendall Christie.
The film was written and directed by Chad Faust, and produced by David Tish, Lee Nelson, Roman Kopelevich, and Crystal Hill.
Official Trailer:
