From Pigeons to Prada: Elisabeth Larena Lights Up Eva’s Comet
- JD Shapiro
- Mar 28
- 4 min read
By JD Shapiro and Joey Lee Kirkman
Picture this: a battered, near-dead pigeon sparks the creation of an article about an actor in an award winning short film that’s got nothing to do with feathers or birdseed—or does it?
The pigeon, lovingly dubbed Conchi, survived its brush with death thanks to Lisi—aka Elisabeth Fernandez Larena— aka the film’s radiant star. Spoiler alert: Conchi’s thriving, and we’ll get back to the pigeon in Part II, but let’s pivot to the real story here—Lisi and her electrifying work in Eva’s Comet.
I’m penning this piece to nudge you toward watching the film and discovering Lisi’s artistry and, later, in Part II, her human side. She’s not just the lead; she’s a force of nature, and I’m betting you’ll walk away from this short film marveling at her skill. Further along, I’ll highlight the other talented individuals, including Alfonso Antolín (Fonzi), my co-director and director of photography who masterfully paints with light, all of whom breathed life into this project. For now, though, the spotlight shines on Lisi and the comet she rides.
Lisi’s more than a collaborator—she’s family. Well, ex-family, technically, since the divorce papers reshuffled that deck. Still, personal history aside, she’s a powerhouse of talent. Directing her up close, I’ve seen her morph into anything—a chameleon who could probably play a chipper ex-husband if I asked. Just kidding; that’s my role! With Eva’s Comet, I wanted to unleash her darker, dramatic side—because nothing pairs with popcorn like a dash of brooding intensity.
Hailing from Spain’s Basque region, Lisi carries a cultural legacy that’s as unique as it gets. The Basques boast Euskara—a language with no known kin—alongside traditions like pelota, pintxos, and a fiery resilience that’s practically folklore. Lisi channels that heritage into her craft, blending strength and depth into every role.
Her star is rising in Spain, and it’s no mystery why. She’s got charisma that can’t be bottled, a timeless vibe that fits any era, and a fearless willingness to plumb the depths of her own pain for authenticity. That’s the stuff of greatness—an actor who doesn’t just shine but leaves an indelible mark.
Ever notice how some performers vanish into their roles so completely you forget they’re acting? That’s Lisi’s magic. She sweeps you into the story, making my job as a director a breeze and your viewing experience a thrill. Reviewing my own work, I’m a nitpicker—I try, and sometimes fail, to spot every flaw. But when I see what Lisi brings to the table, I’m floored. She doesn’t just follow the script; she elevates it, adding layers I didn’t even dream up.
Take one of my favorite scenes: Lisi and Kimberly (who plays Halley) plop onto a bench after a bike ride. Lisi, in a stroke of genius, mimics Kim’s British accent, turning her character’s fury into something downright hilarious. The crew—jaded pros who’ve seen it all—cracked up, forcing us to reshoot multiple times. Each take, Lisi tossed in a new nuance, transforming a fleeting moment into pure charm.
Most actors, even the solid ones, skim the surface—fun to watch but forgettable. The brilliant ones, though? They dive deep, and that’s where the roles worth playing live. Sure, those breezy, light parts are a hoot—like watching a kitten wrestle a monster made of yarn—but actors like Lisi crave the meaty stuff, the roles that peel back layers until you’re weeping into your glass of Rioja.
Lisi spent too long as the human equivalent of a cozy blanket—sweet, gentle, the type to say sorry to the furniture after stubbing her toe. I said, “Nope, she’s getting something with bite.” So I wrote her a part that’s sharp, unhinged, and personal as hell—with a tad of our dirty laundry spun into a psycho-drama tapestry.
The script also taps into today’s Zeitgeist: snap judgments rule, and one wrong word can define you. Eva’s Comet flips that on its head. It trails two women—polar opposites in style, beliefs, and grit. One’s rocking thrift-store threads, the other’s dripping in Prada; one’s a free-spirited hippie, the other’s a jaded realist. They clash hard—think zen vibes versus life’s punching bag. Naturally, they loathe each other on sight. But as the story unravels, they spot glimmers of connection, exposing each other’s scars. Could these sworn enemies become ride-or-die pals? Maybe.
I won’t spill more—you’ve got enough spoilers to chew on. Watch it yourself, and don’t bolt when the credits roll—there’s a sneaky end scene. Blame my superhero flick roots; I’m a sucker for a post-credits hook. It’s our way of hyping you up for what’s next. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and let Eva’s Comet light up your screen for a whole 23 minutes. You won’t regret it.
Lisi’s Compassion Beyond the Screen: The Tale of Conchi the Pigeon Awaits in Part Two