Sony Joins Annapurna and Plan B on The Silent Patient Film

Sony Pictures has joined Annapurna and Plan B to develop a film adaptation of Alex Michaelides’ 2019 novel The Silent Patient.

The book follows painter Alicia Berenson, who shoots her husband and stops speaking, and psychotherapist Theo Faber, who tries to understand what happened.

After seven years in development, the film is reportedly being fast-tracked, but no cast, release date or production start has been announced.

The novel has sold more than 12 million copies, so many potential viewers already know its major twists.

That creates a challenge for filmmakers: they must keep the story suspenseful for readers who know the ending.

Popular twist-driven books have sometimes succeeded as films, including Gone Girl, but adaptations may also change major plot points.

Producers are expected to seek a director or screenwriter in the coming months.