Some climbs are about more than reaching the top.

After the loss of her mother, Margo's life takes an unexpected turn when her estranged older sister reappears in her life. As grief and unresolved family tensions weigh heavily on her, Margo attempts her hardest rock climb yet. Can she find the strength to conquer the crux- and reconnect with her sister?

CRUX is a powerful short film written by and starring Kelsey Risher and Madison Merkel, produced by Straley Studios. Through the lens of rock climbing, CRUX explores grief, resilience, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood. With an all-female cast and director, the film amplifies women's voices in cinema, delivering raw and deeply personal storytelling that challenges, inspires, and empowers—all set against the stunning outdoor landscape of Alabama.