Millicent Simmonds, the deaf actress whose performance in A Quiet Place quietly defined a franchise, has wrapped a psychological thriller short called Alone alongside Oscar winner Troy Kotsur, Nyle DiMarco, and Phylicia Rashad, according to Deadline.
Simmonds plays Samantha, a deaf woman living alone who receives an advanced humanoid robot designed to simplify her life. As the machine learns her routines, emotions, and history, their connection turns dark and unsettling. Director Garrett Patten co-wrote the script with Tiziano Tucci. Principal photography wrapped in Brooklyn; the film is now in post-production.
The majority-Deaf cast gives the project a particular weight. Kotsur won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for CODA in 2022. DiMarco is among the most visible Deaf figures in American entertainment. Simmonds has spent the decade since Wonderstruck building one of the more distinct careers in her age group. Rashad, James Broderick, and Cameron Sault round out the ensemble.
Range Media Partners and DFA are producing, with Brenda Linkous and Austin Lantero attached as producers. "I had the opportunity to work with an extraordinary cast who brought so much depth and humanity to the story," director Patten said. The filmmakers are in early conversations about expanding Alone into a feature film with the same cast.
No distributor has been announced.
