Keira Knightley, Alicia Vikander and Jamie Dornan reunite for biting new satire ‘The Worst’
Keira Knightley, Alicia Vikander, Jamie Dornan and Erin Kellyman are set to headline a new British dark comedy titled The Worst, a project already generating significant buzz ahead of its launch at the European Film Market in Berlin. Described as a sharply observed class satire, the film marks the feature directorial debut of Simon Woods and brings together an ensemble known for both prestige drama and mainstream appeal.
The Worst centres on an elegant yet deeply uncomfortable social gathering that spirals into chaos over the course of a single night. Vikander plays Emily Fisher, a wealthy socialite who invites a select group of friends to a newly acquired chateau in France. Her husband Max hosts alongside her, setting the stage for what initially appears to be a polished and enviable getaway. The illusion quickly fractures as long standing resentments, personal hypocrisies and buried secrets rise to the surface.
Knightley portrays Holly, a struggling diversity consultant whose moral certainty places her in constant conflict with the rest of the group. Dornan takes on the role of Danny, a slick talent agent who cannot resist name dropping and self promotion at every turn. Kellyman plays Niamh, a waitress whose position on the margins gives her a front row seat to the unraveling of the guests and ultimately pulls her into their dysfunction. As the night progresses, social masks slip and the veneer of liberal virtue and privilege collapses into something far messier and darker.
Woods has described the film as an attempt to lure audiences into identifying with characters who are deliberately flawed, abrasive and often infuriating. His aim is to bring viewers close to agreeing with them before forcing a confrontation with their contradictions. The story skewers aspiration, wealth and performative morality, holding a satirical mirror up to contemporary social anxieties without offering easy resolutions.
The project is being produced by Andy Berg and John Sachs, with international financing from Logical Pictures Group and worldwide sales handled alongside Protagonist Pictures. Producers have praised Woods as a distinctive voice, noting that his script balances sharp humour with moments that turn unexpectedly unsettling. They describe the film as both entertaining and confrontational, designed to provoke laughter and discomfort in equal measure.
Knightley and Vikander’s pairing has already sparked online discussion, with film fans highlighting the contrast in their previous roles and expressing curiosity about seeing them spar within a comedic framework. Dornan’s casting has also drawn attention, particularly given his recent run of darker dramatic performances. Kellyman’s involvement continues her rise following high profile genre and studio projects, positioning her as a key emotional anchor within the ensemble.