Sophie Kauer joins the cast of indie film All Five Eyes as production begins in Kent, England.
Sophie Kauer, widely recognized for her role as the protégé of Cate Blanchett in Todd Field’s critically acclaimed film Tár, has officially joined the ensemble cast of All Five Eyes. The film is the latest project from American director Jaclyn Bethany, known for her work in independent cinema. Production for All Five Eyes is currently underway in Kent, England.
The film is set in 1967 in a small English village and is described as a “female drama” that delves into the intricate dynamics between three sisters. The lead roles are being played by Greta Bellamacina and Honor Swinton Byrne, with Sophie Kauer stepping into the role of Helena, a precocious schoolgirl and one of the central characters in the story.
All Five Eyes explores the lives of sisters Cecily and Marion, portrayed by Bellamacina and Swinton Byrne, respectively. Cecily, the elder sister, is portrayed as a responsible and upright figure, who runs the local girls’ finishing school with an air of traditionalism and duty. On the other hand, Marion, who is grappling with her identity and the social freedoms emerging in the late 1960s, represents the younger generation’s more rebellious spirit.
The two sisters are at odds, particularly in their differing approaches to caring for their disabled younger sister, Willa, played by actress Lawson. As Cecily strives to maintain order and fulfill her perceived responsibilities, Marion begins to question what it means to live a life that is truly her own. The tension between them escalates as they both face critical decisions that will shape their futures and the life of their sister.
In addition to Kauer’s role as Helena, Aimeé Kelly has been cast as Juliette, Helena’s best friend and fellow schoolgirl. The two characters are expected to bring a fresh, youthful perspective to the film’s narrative, likely serving as a counterpoint to the more mature struggles faced by Cecily and Marion.
The supporting cast also includes Susanne Wuest, who will take on the role of Sister Marguerite, a nun in charge of the local convent. Wuest, known for her performance in Goodnight Mommy, is expected to bring depth and complexity to the character, contributing to the film’s exploration of themes such as duty, faith, and societal expectations during the 1960s.
All Five Eyes is a collaborative effort between Bellamacina and Bethany, who co-wrote the script. This marks their second collaboration following their work on Tell That To The Winter Sea, which saw a successful release on Apple TV after a limited theatrical run in the UK. The film was distributed globally by Kaleidoscope, and there is anticipation that All Five Eyes will follow a similar distribution path, given the talent involved and the compelling nature of the story.
The film is being produced as a UK/US co-production, with Sulk Youth Films and BKE Productions leading the charge, in association with Valmora. Grace Cavanagh-Butler, Carl Black, and C.C. Kellogg are listed as producers, while Carl Black, C.C. Kellogg, Geoff Thompson of CSMD, Steven Adams, and Theo Dumont are credited as executive producers. The international nature of the production, combined with a diverse and talented cast, is likely to make All Five Eyes a noteworthy entry in the indie film circuit.
Jaclyn Bethany, a graduate of the American Film Institute’s prestigious directing program, is at the helm of this project. Bethany has made a name for herself in the independent film scene, directing films such as Highway One and the Emmy Award-winning digital series The Rehearsal. Her approach to filmmaking often involves deep, character-driven narratives that explore the human experience in a nuanced and thought-provoking manner.
Currently, Bethany is also in post-production on another indie feature titled In Transit. Her latest short film, Ruby, premiered at HollyShorts in Los Angeles, further establishing her as a rising talent in the industry. Bethany’s representation by Buchwald and Alta Global Media indicates her growing influence and potential in both independent and mainstream cinema.
With filming already in progress, the production of All Five Eyes in Kent, a region known for its picturesque landscapes and historical architecture, adds a layer of authenticity to the period setting of the film. The choice of location, combined with the film’s strong ensemble cast, is likely to create a visually rich and emotionally resonant portrayal of life in a 1960s English village.