Aisha Tyler has booked her next directing gig. The “Criminal Minds” star, who most recently helmed an episode of The CW’s “Roswell, New Mexico,” is set to step behind the camera for “Silent John,” a “socially conscious” psychological thriller tackling institutional abuse from Hidden Empire Film Group (HEFG). A press release confirmed the news.
Set to kick off production this summer, “Silent John” sees a young couple coming to stay “at a rustic B&B in Ireland in the weeks before their first child is born. At first charmed by their Irish host, they soon discover he and his mute groundskeeper share a viciously harrowing secret,” the film’s synopsis teases. “Soon they cannot discern friend from foe, and their dream getaway becomes a nightmare they cannot escape. Fueled by the historic abuses of the Catholic church against unwed mothers,” the pic “explores the unholy fanaticism of a man lost in the chasm between faith, the church, and madness.”
“I am thrilled to be working with the killer team at HEFG; their enthusiasm and passion for this project is energizing and it’s gratifying they share my vision for this story,” said Tyler. “’Silent John’ is a terrifying portrait of institutional abuse and its lifelong effects on the psyche; I look forward to Roxanne’s creative producing intensity, along with my brilliant producing partners Emmett Hughes, John Doherty, and David Jacobson, helping to bring this riveting film to life.”
Roxanne Avent Taylor of Hidden Empire Film Group added, “It is a privilege to collaborate with Aisha Tyler on our upcoming production, ‘Silent John.’ Aisha is an incredibly talented filmmaker, producer, and actress with a keen eye for storytelling. She is going to knock this out of the park and it’s exciting to be working side by side with such an empowering woman.”
Tyler starred on “Criminal Minds” as Dr. Tara Lewis and directed two episodes of the CBS crime procedural. Its 15th and final season aired last year. “Archer,” “Friendsgiving,” and “Diary of a Future President” are among her recent acting credits.
In 2017 Tyler won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host for “The Talk,” which she hosted for six seasons. That same year she made her feature directorial debut with “Axis,” a thriller about an Irish actor on the verge of starring in a blockbuster who is struggling to maintain his sobriety.
