By: MJ Asuncion
Old secrets resurface, reopening wounds that never truly healed. As long buried emotions rise to the surface, tensions mount and both old and new relationships are examined and tested. Every conversation carries an undercurrent of unresolved pain, with each interaction threatening to erupt. This simmering emotional intensity lies at the heart of Only What We Carry, an improvisational drama shot in just six days along the breathtaking Normandy coast.
Famed Moulin Rouge performer Charlotte Levant (Sofia Boutella) and her sister Josephine (Charlotte Gainsbourg) are traveling home to Deauville when an article written by Charlotte’s former choreographer, Julian Johns (Simon Pegg), reopens old insecurities and unresolved feelings. Their journey soon brings them face to face with Julian, his longtime friend John (Quentin Tarantino) and a young couple (Lizzy McAlpine and Liam Hellmann). Reconnecting with her past is the last thing Charlotte wants, but years of bottled-up resentment and unanswered questions compel her to confront it head on.
The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast whose natural chemistry makes every interaction feel authentic and deeply intimate. The improvised dialogue flows effortlessly, giving each scene an honesty that never feels forced. Sofia Boutella fully embodies the passionate yet deeply wounded Charlotte, delivering a performance filled with grace, vulnerability and emotional intensity. Gainsbourg provides a grounded counterbalance as Charlotte’s supportive sister Josephine, while Pegg brings quiet complexity to Julian, allowing the audience to see both his charm and his flaws. Tarantino is a delightful surprise, bringing warmth and humor to the role of John. His easygoing friendship with Julian feels genuine and lived-in, providing welcome moments of levity that briefly ease the emotional weight without diminishing it.
Written and directed by Tribeca alum Jamie Adams (Love Spreads, Tribeca 2020), this narrative film is the product of a true creative collaboration between Adams, his accomplished cast and his talented crew. Working from a largely improvised screenplay, Adams trusted his actors to shape their characters and explore the emotional beats of each scene organically. That freedom allows every performance to feel spontaneous and layered, resulting in a character-driven story that unfolds with remarkable authenticity.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Normandy coast, Only What We Carry is a moving portrait of love, redemption, forgiveness and acceptance. The film’s collaborative spirit extends beyond its production, creating an immersive experience that draws viewers deeply into the characters’ emotional journeys. Through its honest performances and intimate storytelling, it offers a thoughtful exploration of the lingering weight of the past and the difficult path toward healing and moving forward.