Sophie Simnett Joins Silent Comedy 'The Candidate' Opposite Jack Whittle
The rising British star will play a character named Love in Mark Bell's black-and-white feature, a throwback to the Chaplin era.
“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,”
- Director
- Mark Bell
- Starring
- Sophie Simnett, Jack Whittle
- Genre
- Silent Comedy
Sophie Simnett has been cast to star in the upcoming silent comedy film The Candidate, according to a report by Variety. The rising British actress will appear opposite writer-actor Jack Whittle in the project.
The Candidate is described as a black-and-white silent comedy with a dance interlude, made in the style of the Chaplin era of filmmaking. It marks the feature directorial debut of Mark Bell, known for his Olivier Award-winning work on the stage farce The Play That Goes Wrong.
What is the film about?
The film is a cautionary tale about a naïve dreamer who accidentally finds himself in a position of power. Beneath its comedic surface, it asks what we truly value in our leaders. Simnett will play a character named Love, described by the filmmakers as a tribute to the great leading ladies of silent cinema.
“Her compassion provides the emotional heart of the film and acts as the conscience at the centre of its satire,” the producers said.
When will filming begin?
Production on The Candidate is scheduled for Autumn 2026. The film will be produced by Over The Fence Films, which has credits including the Berlinale silver bear winner Everybody Dig Evans and the Sundance special jury prize winner Everybody to Kenmure Street.
Who else is working on the film?
Composer Howard Goodall, known for his work on Blackadder and Mr. Bean, will provide an original score for the silent film. The producers praised Simnett and Whittle for possessing the expressive range and comic timing the silent format demands.
Simnett's other upcoming roles include the features Falling with KJ Apa and Isabel May, Everybody Wants to F— Me with Taron Egerton and Mia McKenna-Bruce, and Topic Studios' Scorn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is directing 'The Candidate'?
Mark Bell is directing. This marks his feature film directorial debut. He is best known for his Olivier Award-winning work on the stage production The Play That Goes Wrong.
What other projects does Sophie Simnett have coming up?
Simnett is set to appear in several upcoming features. These include 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.
Who is composing the music for the film?
Howard Goodall is composing an original score for The Candidate. Goodall is a renowned composer known for his work on television series like Blackadder and Mr. Bean.
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