Alexandra confronts her father, a former high-ranking official, about his potential involvement in a controversial government commission following a national crisis. She warns him that he is being used as a figurehead to weaponize the tragedy, while he struggles to balance his sense of duty with her cynical but grounded perspective on modern power dynamics.
ALEXANDRA: Very on brand. Cocktails and canapes for the one percent while the world burns down.
BANNER: Beer and pizza was the only thing we could get a hold of. But yeah. Your mother deserves this. And we thought it was important to show people we aren’t afraid.
ALEXANDRA: They wanted to be with you. These aren’t mom’s friends. They’re ass-kissing moths to…
Format: Duologue · Genre: Political Drama · Source: Zero Day · Author: Noah Oppenheim · Characters: Alexandra, Banner
This duologue from the film Zero Day offers a compelling exploration of family conflict set against a backdrop of political intrigue. Alexandra, a woman in her 30s, confronts her father, Banner, a former high-ranking official, about his potential involvement in a controversial government commission. The scene masterfully blends concern and urgency with a biting, sarcastic tone as Alexandra warns her father he is being exploited as a figurehead to legitimize a reactionary response to a national crisis.
Alexandra is a sharp, cynical, and deeply concerned individual who possesses a grounded, albeit jaded, understanding of modern power dynamics. She is actively trying to protect her father, even as she challenges his potentially naive sense of duty and his outmoded view of politics. Banner, while attempting to appear composed and dutiful, is clearly struggling to reconcile his principles with his daughter's alarmingly accurate insights into political manipulation and potential corruption.
This scene is an excellent choice for auditions as it presents a rich tapestry of emotions and clear character objectives. Alexandra's arc moves from sarcastic cynicism to urgent, heartfelt concern for her father, showcasing a wide range of acting abilities within a single four-minute piece. The political drama genre also allows actors to demonstrate their capacity for nuanced performance, handling both intellectual debate and deep emotional stakes.
This piece is particularly well-suited for female actors in their 30s who can portray a strong, intelligent, and slightly jaded character with underlying vulnerability. It's ideal for those aiming for leading lady or intense casting types, and would shine in agent showcases or self-tape submissions where a dynamic, two-sided conversation is preferred. Actors comfortable with political themes and family conflict will find strong material here.
When tackling Alexandra, lean into the sarcasm in the initial lines, but ensure it stems from a place of genuine concern rather than mere bitterness. Pay close attention to the shift in tone as she genuinely tries to reason with her father, particularly when she calls him "Dad." This subtle change indicates a moment of deep emotional connection and vulnerability. For Banner, convey his internal struggle between duty and the unsettling truths his daughter presents, allowing his sighs and pauses to speak volumes about his mounting discomfort.