Sophie Simnett, the rising British star best known for the Netflix post-apocalyptic comedy-drama “Daybreak” and the British crime film “Twist,” will 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 Chaplin’s film era.

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

According to the description, the film is a “cautionary tale about 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 comic surface, ‘The Candidate’ asks what we really value in our leaders.”

Simnett will play a character named Love, which the filmmakers say is a “tribute to the great leading ladies of silent cinema, who brings joy, wit and playfulness to a world increasingly consumed by control. Her compassion provides the emotional heart of the film and acts as the conscience at the center 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 winner “The Education of Jane Cumming,” Cannes Directors’ Fortnight title “Double Freedom” and Sundance Special Jury Prize winner “Everybody to Kenmure Street.” Production is planned for fall 2026.

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

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