Shirley Cruz to Star in Trans Coming-of-Age Film 'The She-Devil'

Award-winning actress Shirley Cruz secures her next major role, signing on to star in the upcoming feature film "The She-Devil," directed by the filmmaking duo Clara Ferrer and Tainá Bevilacqua. This high-profile casting announcement comes immediately after Cruz captured international attention at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival for her commanding lead performance in a highly praised drama. The new project, currently in its active development phase, positions Cruz at the center of a bold cinematic universe that explores dark, complex themes.

"The She-Devil" promises to deliver a gripping narrative, further expanded by a companion short film titled "The Death of the She-Devil," which takes place within the same narrative world. This dual-project approach allows the directors to build a rich, atmospheric mythology before the feature-length film reaches global audiences. Cruz brings her signature intensity to the titular role, portraying a character shrouded in mystery. Production teams are already finalizing the script and scouting locations to bring this haunting story to life.

Cruz's rapid rise in international cinema follows her powerhouse performance in Anna Muylaert’s "The Best Mother in the World." The emotional drama, which made its world premiere at the Berlinale earlier this year, showcases Cruz's extraordinary range as she portrays a mother navigating extreme societal pressures. Critics and audiences alike praised her ability to convey deep vulnerability and fierce determination, establishing her as a compelling talent. That breakthrough role paved the way for her collaboration with Ferrer and Bevilacqua, who sought an actor capable of anchoring their ambitious thriller.

Industry insiders view this project as a significant step forward for female-led genre filmmaking, which increasingly blends psychological drama with supernatural elements. By utilizing a short film as a creative proof-of-concept, the directors employ a successful modern strategy to generate industry buzz and secure international co-production partners. Ferrer and Bevilacqua are known for their distinct visual style and focus on complex female protagonists, making Cruz an ideal collaborator. The synergy between the directors' atmospheric storytelling and Cruz’s raw acting style is expected to elevate the project.

This casting decision underscores a growing demand for diverse, female-driven narratives in global cinema. For Cruz, transitioning from a grounded social drama to a mysterious, genre-bending thriller demonstrates her versatility and willingness to take creative risks. The project also highlights the strength of contemporary international co-productions, which continue to dominate major film festivals and capture the imagination of global distributors. By securing a talent of Cruz's caliber, the production gains immediate artistic credibility and positions itself as a highly anticipated title.

Looking ahead, the creative team plans to complete production on the companion short film in the coming months, serving as an initial preview of the eerie world they are building. Meanwhile, pre-production on the main feature, "The She-Devil," continues to accelerate, with cameras expected to roll by the end of the year. As the project moves closer to realization, film enthusiasts eagerly await the first footage of Cruz in this transformative new role. The film is poised to make a major impact upon its eventual release, solidifying her status in independent cinema.

Originally reported by Variety