Add another intriguing upcoming Keira Knightley alongside Jay Barton‘s “Black Doves.” Deadline reports that the actress will star in the dystopian sci-fi thriller “Conception,” which takes place in a world where the British government has taken control over parenting. The film marks a reunion between Knightley and director Camille Griffin after working on 2021’s “Silent Night” together.
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Griffin writes and directs “Conception,” as she did for her feature debut. Celine Rattray and Trudie Styler produce the thriller for Maven Screen Media and Fortitude, like they did for “Silent Night,” too. International sales for the feature will launch at the upcoming AFM, with CAA and Range Media Partners handling domestic sales. And “Conception” should start shooting shortly, as it’s a UK production under an Equity contract; nothing affiliated with SAG-AFTRA on this one.
Here’s an official synopsis for “Conception”:
Conception is a sci-fi thriller set in the not-too-distant future of Britain, where the government has taken authoritarian rule over parenting. The film follows Rita (Knightley), a loyal civil servant and believer in the unforgiving system she upholds, until unexpected events endanger her own parental status, rendering her victim to the same laws she so readily inflicted on others.
No additional casting news outside of Knightley signing on, but expect more on that front soon. In the mean time, here’s a statement about “Conception” from Maven Screen Media: “We are in awe of Camille’s vivid imagination and creative talent. She has a unique ability to express big complex ideas in every day, relatable events. We are thrilled to reassemble the “Silent Night” team and work with Keira again.”
Griffin made a press statement of her own. “I’m lucky to have found in Keira, a better (certainly more attractive) version of myself to project my creativity onto,” said the director. “Keira is as great an ally as she is a talent. I plan to make a unique and exciting film together.”
“Silent Night” did just okay with critics, but “Conception” sounds like a somewhat original take on dystopia. Expect this one out at some point in 2024.
