Sarah Polley is to direct a feature adaptation of the bestselling novel Women Talking, with Frances McDormand set to play the lead.

The film from MGM-owned producer Orion Pictures and Plan B is based on Miriam Toews’ 2018 novel about group of women in an isolated Mennonite religious colony in Bolivia as they struggle to reconcile their faith with a series of sexual assaults committed by the colony’s men. Polley is also penning the script.

McDormand, who initially acquired the rights to the project, will also produce through her Hear/Say Productions banner. United Artists Releasing will release the film theatrically in the U.S.

Most recently Polley directed episodes for the CBC Gem original comedy Hey Lady! Her other recent credits in CBC/Netflix original Alias Grace (Halfire Entertainment), which she wrote and executive produced.

For McDormand, the announcement comes following the world premiere of Nomadland, which is tipped to feature prominently during awards season. Her other recent credits include the TV miniseries Good Omens and feature Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, for which she won the Oscar for best actress.