Renowned director Quentin Tarantino is stepping into the spotlight once more, starring alongside Simon Pegg, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Sofia Boutella in Jamie Adams’ intriguing new venture, “Only What We Carry.” This unexpected collaboration marks Tarantino’s return from retirement, prompted by an inspiring Zoom call with Adams. Shot in just six days on the picturesque beaches of Deauville, France, this project showcases an exciting blend of talent and creativity.
Unexpected Collaborative Spirit
The decision to involve Quentin Tarantino in “Only What We Carry” started with a simple yet impactful virtual meeting with director Jamie Adams. Intrigued by the prospect, Tarantino joined an ensemble cast featuring Simon Pegg, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Liam Hellmann, and Lizzy McAlpine. The film was shot over a brief period at the end of September, utilizing a minimal budget and relying heavily on improvised performances.
Plot and Characters
Set along the dramatic coastline of Normandy, the film centers on Julian Johns, portrayed by Simon Pegg. Julian is a once-formidable instructor whose life is disrupted when his former student, Charlotte Levant (played by Sofia Boutella), returns to confront her past. Tarantino takes on the role of John Percy, an old friend of Julian whose arrival unearths long-hidden truths. Charlotte Gainsbourg plays Josephine Chabrol, a protective sister, while Liam Hellmann and Lizzy McAlpine bring to life the roles of a conflicted artist and an aspiring dancer, respectively.
Embracing Independent Cinema
Simon Pegg describes working on “Only What We Carry” as akin to “going back to school,” emphasizing the fulfilling experience of collaborating with a remarkable team. The film, styled in line with Adams’ previous works such as “She Is Love” and “Wild Honey Pie!”, draws inspiration from Eric Rohmer and Mike Leigh, with Adams seeking to capture the spirit of independent cinema.
Jamie Adams shares, “It’s always been a dream to shoot an Eric Rohmer-styled picture in Normandy. This project gave life to that dream, thanks to the freedom of independent filmmaking and an exceptional international cast and crew.”
Industry Representation
The film is produced by Charles Benoin, Liam Hellmann, and Jouri Smit at Atlas Pictures and Easy of the Eye. Representation includes Dawn Sedgwick Management for Pegg, CAA, Untitled & 42 for Boutella and Gainsbourg, WME & Carlos Goodman for Tarantino, Florence Chamasson for Hellmann, Molly Clark for McAlpine, and representation for Adams by Cynthia Okoye at Curtis Brown and Mark Hartogsohn at Gersh Agency.
“Only What We Carry” promises to be an exciting addition to the world of independent cinema, driven by its unique narrative style and captivating performances from a standout cast.
