The first look at “Only What We Carry,” a new drama starring Simon Pegg and Sofia Boutella, has been unveiled, featuring a notable ensemble cast that includes Quentin Tarantino, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Liam Hellmann, and Lizzy McAlpine, who is making her feature film debut. The film is being launched internationally by the International Film Trust at this week’s European Film Market.
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Deauville, the film follows Julian Johns, portrayed by Pegg, a former artistic director at the Moulin Rouge whose quiet existence is disrupted when Charlotte Levant (played by Boutella) seeks him out after discovering his location through a news article. Their reunion prompts both characters to confront lingering grief, hidden truths, and the emotional toll of their past lives. Tarantino makes his first significant on-screen appearance since 1996’s “From Dusk Til Dawn,” portraying Julian’s publisher who resides in the chateau where Julian writes his memoir. Gainsbourg plays the role of Charlotte’s fiercely protective sister.
Written and directed by Jamie Adams, “Only What We Carry” showcases the filmmaker’s signature improvisation-driven style, evoking the cinematic techniques of Eric Rohmer and Hong Sang Soo. The film’s production team boasts Charles Benoin, Hellmann, and Jouri Smit, with executive producers including Alan Ganansia, Richard Althoff, Laura Auclair, and Pegg among others.
Auclair expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Thanks to Charles Benoin, I joined this adventure the way you join a family. It was a real honor to contribute as an executive producer and to witness this stellar cast evolve, create, and improvise before our eyes.” Ganansia echoed her sentiments, reflecting on the project’s evolution from a seemingly abstract process into a focused, magical filmmaking experience.
With its compelling narrative and improvisational roots, “Only What We Carry” promises to deliver a unique cinematic experience, confirming the collaborative effort of its remarkable cast and crew. The film is poised to resonate with audiences, offering a poignant exploration of human connections and the complexities of the past.