Hilary Swank is starring in the science-fiction thriller “I Am Mother,” which has started shooting at South Australia’s Adelaide Studios, Variety has learned exclusively.

Swank, who won best actress Academy Awards for “Million Dollar Baby” and “Boys Don’t Cry,” is joining Clara Rugaard in a unique mother-daughter story.

Rugaard portrays the first of a new generation of humans raised by “Mother” – a kindly robot designed to repopulate the earth following the extinction of mankind. But their unique bond is threatened when a blood-drenched woman (played by Swank) inexplicably arrives, calling into question everything she’s been told about the outside world.

“I Am Mother” is based on an original concept by director Grant Sputore and writer Michael Lloyd Green. The screenplay was on the 2016 Black List.

“I Am Mother” is Sputore’s feature debut. The special effects team at WETA Workshop (“Avatar,” “The Lord of The Rings”) has created the titular robot.

The movie is produced by Southern Light Films’ Timothy White and the Penguin Empire’s Kelvin Munro. Anna Vincent and Michael Lloyd Green co-produce. Executive producers are Paris Kassidokostas-Latsis, Terry Dougas and Jean-Luc De Fanti from Rhea Films (“American Made”) along with Bryce Menzies, Philip Wade, John Wade and Sputore.

“It is a privilege to welcome Hilary Swank to our film,” Sputore said. “She is a remarkable performer who always brings tremendous commitment and honesty to the screen. I’m excited about the journey ahead with Hilary and the talented Clara Rugaard.”

Swank’s credits include Tommy Lee Jones’ “The Homesman,” “Freedom Writers,” “P.S. I Love You” and Steven Soderbergh’s comedy “Logan Lucky.” She will next be seen in Danny Boyle’s television series “Trust,” starring as Gail Getty, the mother of kidnapped heir John Paul Getty III.

“I Am Mother” is an Australian production financed by Hercules Film Investments with major investment from Screen Australia and the South Australian Film Corporation in association with Adelaide Film Festival, Screenwest, Lotterywest, Fin VFX, Blockhead and Kojo.

Mister Smith Entertainment is handling international sales, with WME Global’s Graham Taylor overseeing U.S. sales. Studiocanal is handling distribution in Australia and New Zealand. Swank is repped by WME.