‘A Doctor to Die For’: EP Elisabeth Rohm Dishes on Luke Macfarlane’s Twisted New Lifetime Movie

Luke Macfarlane plays a sociopathic medical professional in Lifetime’s A Doctor to Die For: The Sarah Harris Story. Premiering October 3, the movie is based on a true story and centers on Sarah (Siobhan Williams, The Quarry, Deadly Class), an impressionable young woman drawn into a dangerous relationship with a middle-aged oral surgeon Dr. James Ryan. Things move quickly between the two, but the nefarious cracks begin to show.

Dr. Ryan secretly supplies her with a cocktail of surgical-grade drugs to keep her compliant and submissive, Sarah’s mother Tina ( Janet Kidder) and sister Rachel (Jessica Sipos) see the signs, but the doctor’s manipulation allows him to keep his hold. When tragedy strikes, the family begin investigating further, uncovering shocking and disturbing truths. Harris died of a fatal drug overdose in 2022.  Dr. Ryan was convicted of second-degree depraved-heart murder in connection with her death. 

Here EPs Elisabeth Rohm and Kara Feifer on tackling such a heartbreaking cautionary tale ripped from the headlines.  

Siobhan Williams, Janet Kidder and Jessica Sipos (Lifetime)

What about the project stood out to you?

Elisabeth Rohm: I would just say Sarah Harris’ death is so incredibly tragic and a writer that we love very much brought us the idea. After getting to know the family we knew we had to tell this difficult story to protect other people in the future.

Kara Feifer: The project stood out because not only is it a cautionary tale, it is a tale about resilience, and a lesson in moving through life with a tragic amount of loss.

Talk about bringing this story to the screen and what Sarah endures.

Kara: It was a very difficult role for an actress to tackle because you want the audience to fall in love with Sarah and support her throughout her struggle with her addiction despite her lies and manipulation of her mother and sister.

What can you say about the experience on set?

Kara: The experience on set was both heavy and loving. The cast is so talented, and they really held a safe place for each other to fall when appropriate.

Did the family know about the movie and lend any input?

Elisabeth: We absolutely worked in collaboration with the family who were so vulnerable and willing to be partners on this. 

Kara: We were on the phone with Tina while on set, she would say “hi” to the actors. There was never pushback from the actors, but we felt like the woman playing Tina needed her space during the creative process, and sometimes we have the real people on set, but this time we allowed Janet Kidder to have the space to dive into this deeply moving and emotional role.

Luke Macfarlane and Siobhan Williams (Lifetime)

What do you want to say to viewers before watching this?

Elisabeth: Be prepared for a very difficult story. This family has experienced so much heartbreak. I know that this movie will be incredibly moving to the audience and one that will stay with them for a long time. We are very grateful to the family for trusting us in this journey.

Kara: Hold on tight because the ride is bumpy and at times painful. At the end of the day the love and resilience of this now very small family is something I am in awe of.

What are some of the stories you’re most excited to tell? Do you have a dream collaborator?

Elisabeth: We’re really excited about our upcoming film Margret and Stevie, and I can’t think of a greater dream collaborator than the brilliant Matthew Weiner, creator of Mad Men. He’s attached to direct this film about the creators of Curious George who escaped from Nazi occupied France, and it particularly explores Margret Rey’s legacy. Rohm Feifer is all about true crime and true stories and this biopic is a deeply moving exploration of an unlikely friendship at the end of her life. 

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Any other projects coming up you’re excited for people to check out?

Elisabeth: Yes, I’m extremely excited about our new movie with Lifetime coming out next year. We can’t share more yet but all I can say is that it was an absolute thrill to work with such phenomenal talent. The story is incredibly harrowing and as usual entirely on brand; female forward and a tremendous cautionary story.

Is there any particular role that would put you back in front of the camera?

Elisabeth: I’m very passionate about going back into acting. Pivoting to directing and building Rohm Feifer Entertainment with Kara has been deeply filling and I love directing and producing. We have so much fun with this company and deliver great entertainment. Although I’ve taken time off, it will always be my first love. It definitely informs how I direct and fuels me creatively. Currently being on location in Spain for my next directing project I look forward to acting again soon. Certainly if David O. Russell or Dick Wolf called the answer would be yes. As for what kind of role, I’d say something intense and muscular. Something character driven. 

A Doctor to Die For: The Sarah Harris Story premiere, October 3, 8/7c, Lifetime