Rising Brit Star Sophie Simnett Joins Black-and-White Silent Comedy ‘The Candidate’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Sophie Simnett, the rising British star best known for Netflix’s post-apocalyptic comedy drama “Daybreak” and Brit crime feature “Twist,” is set to star alongside writer-actor Jack Whittle (“Tony!”) in “The Candidate.”

The film is a black-and-white silent comedy with a dance interlude, described as being in the style of the Chaplin era of filmmaking.

“The Candidate” marks the feature directorial debut of Mark Bell, known for his Olivier Award-winning work with physical comedy and ensemble farce on “The Play That Goes Wrong.” Composer Howard Goodall (“Blackadder,” “Mr Bean”) provides an original score that continues the traditions of silent storytelling.

As per the description, the film is a “cautionary tale of a naïve dreamer who accidentally finds himself in a position of power. Mistaking power for purpose, he loses sight of everything that was once meaningful to him. Beneath its comedic surface, ‘The Candidate’ asks what we truly value in our leaders.”

Simnett will play a character called Love, who the filmmakers say is a “tribute to the great leading ladies of silent cinema, bringing playfulness, wit, and joy to a world increasingly consumed by control. Her compassion provides the emotional heart of the film and acts as the conscience at the centre of its satire.”

The film is being produced by Over The Fence Films, whose credits include recent Berlinale silver bear winner “Everybody Dig Evans,” fellow Berlinale-bowing “The Education of Jane Cumming,” Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight title “Double Freedom” and Sundance special jury prize winner “Everybody to Kenmure Street.” Production is scheduled for Autumn 2026.

“This is a bold and ambitious film that places extraordinary demands on its performers – Simnett and Whittle both possess the expressive range, comic timing and natural chemistry that a silent feature demands – telling a story not driven by dialogue but by a language of movement and mayhem,” said the producers.

Simnett’s other upcoming roles include the features “Falling” alongside KJ Apa and Isabel May, “Everybody Wants to F— Me” with Taron Egerton and Mia McKenna-Bruce and Topic Studios’ “Scorn,” led by Adria Arjona and Kingsley Ben-Adir.