Vicky Krieps joins Rooney Mara in the Paris-set indie drama "Quest For Love," which HanWay is shopping to buyers at the Cannes market. Krieps, known for her collaborative work with Paul Thomas Anderson on "Phantom Thread," will play Mara's romantic partner in the film.
Writer-director Antonia Campbell-Hughes (the acclaimed short "It Is in Us All") helms the project, with Mara taking the lead role as Maris, a woman navigating life and desire in the French capital. The casting pairs two distinctly contemporary actresses who've made their mark in arthouse and prestige cinema. Mara brings Oscar-nominated credentials from films like "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and "Carol," while Krieps has built a reputation for nuanced, character-driven performances.
The pairing signals Campbell-Hughes' commitment to exploring intimate human connection through a queer lens. The Paris setting provides the romantic, atmospheric backdrop that prestige indie dramas often leverage to examine characters in transition. HanWay's decision to market the project at Cannes, rather than waiting for festival premieres, suggests confidence in the material's commercial appeal alongside its artistic pedigree.
This casting move comes as the indie film market continues to seek projects that blend arthouse sensibility with accessible storytelling. The combination of Krieps and Mara, two actors known for their commitment to character work over star power, positions "Quest For Love" as a serious contender in the festival circuit while maintaining appeal to boutique distributors seeking platform releases.
Campbell-Hughes' directorial debut feature following her acclaimed short work suggests a filmmaker ready to expand her scope. The project reflects ongoing industry interest in character-driven narratives centered on women's stories and queer relationships, a space where films like "Carol" and recent