The 2025 Crime Thriller hit theatres and digital this past weekend starring Daniella Pick Tarantino alongside David Arquette, Danny A. Abeckaser, Dean Miroshnikov, Herzl Tobey and Hadar Shitrit. The film, also produced and directed by Danny A. Abeckaser, was filmed in the country of Georgia, focusing on the underground casino scene and Russian mobsters. Daniella makes her breakout debut in her first starring role as the mysterious and sexy Sonja, a Poker dealer. Having been a well known singer for many years in Israel and Europe, transitioning to acting, especially in a US focused film, was an adjustment for Daniella, who had a small role in Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, and initially did come with hesitation and reluctance at first, concerned with balancing mom life and stepping into a leading role. She received full support from husband Quentin, her friends and family, so she went for it with no looking back, excitedly embracing her new career in acting, and referring to it as one of the best decisions she ever made. As a result she is already slated to start in director Danny A.’s follow up film, soon to be announced.
SL: What did you love about filming this movie?
Pick Tarantino: I loved being on set and feeling creative, working with such talented actors was inspiring. There’s something magical about watching everything come together, seeing how each person brings their passion and skill to the story.
SL: What attracted you to the script?
Pick Tarantino: I love how it’s written. Kosta Kondilopoulos wrote it in a way that really pulls you into the story. From the first time I read it, I felt connected to the characters and the essence of the story.
SL: What was the highlight of your experience on set?
Pick Tarantino: The highlight for me was seeing it all come together on set, from the script to the screen. That first moment walking onto set and realizing how much thought and creativity went into every detail was amazing. Working with Danny A. and Barry Markowitz was such an honor, they’re both so talented and inspiring.
SL: Are you excited for your first feature role?
Pick Tarantino: Absolutely! I love that my character, Sonia, comes in and completely shifts the story. She’s strong, smart, and full of insight. My career has been based in Israel, so doing something like this is really exciting.
SL: What was it like starring alongside David Arquette?
Pick Tarantino: David is such a wonderful person, kind, funny, and incredibly talented. He’s so devoted to his craft, and I learned a lot from working with him. His dedication really inspired me.
SL: How was it working with director Danny A. Abeckaser?
Pick Tarantino: I didn’t take the role right away, but there was something about Danny’s determination, the way he saw me in this role. He truly believed that I could play Sonia, and that confidence of his really made me want to do it. Danny gave me such a gift by trusting me with this character. He’s a great friend and a very passionate filmmaker. He loves movies deeply, and that energy inspires everyone around him.
SL: Did you get any advice from your husband, Quentin Tarantino?
Pick Tarantino: Of course! I always ask for his advice. He’s so supportive and genuinely excited about my work. We love talking about movies and actors we admire. He gave me a lot of confidence and told me he thought I did a really good job, and that means so much to me.
I actually recorded Quentin on my phone saying Charlie’s lines (David’s character), and then I would rehearse by myself with his voice. It was such a great experience, and I really loved the way he performed Charlie. It was just a fun thing to do and it helped me a lot.
SL: What do you love about acting?
Pick Tarantino: Acting, for me, is about transforming someone’s writing into real emotion, something that touches people’s hearts. I love telling stories, discovering my character’s world, and expressing her truth in an authentic way. Being in front of the camera has always felt natural to me.
SL: Being a music artist for so long, what has the transition been like for you?
Pick Tarantino: I come from a background in modeling, singing, and performing on television, and I actually find all of it connected. Whether it’s singing, acting, or performing, it’s about expressing emotion and sharing your personality with an audience.
SL: Any fun or helpful insider info about being on a movie set?
Pick Tarantino: Being on a movie set is a very bonding experience. You work as a team and spend so much time with everyone. I find it really special, and I feel like you can really learn from it, from working closely with other actors and from the amazing people on the crew and cast.
SL: What was it like balancing mom life and acting on set?
Pick Tarantino: I am, first and foremost, a mom, and that’s what guides me in everything I do. My kids are always my first priority. It takes a lot of planning and organization, but I’m very hands-on as a mother. I love being part of their everyday moments, so I only take on projects that I really connect with.
SL: What do you like to do in your spare time?
Pick Tarantino: I love cooking and spending time with my family and friends. I also love watching movies with my husband, that’s one of our favorite things to do together.
SL: What’s next for you?
Pick Tarantino: I just finished shooting another movie with Danny A., where I play a Mossad agent, which was really interesting and different for me. I’m also the ambassador for the fashion brand SAISEI, and I love modeling for a brand that I truly love. We’re planning to collaborate and create something together, like a capsule collection. I’m also working on other projects that I’m really excited about.
I’m a very creative person by nature, and I love developing new ideas and creating things I’m passionate about. I’m also about to release a new song, a beautiful folk-inspired duet with a close friend of mine.
The Perfect Gamble is now streaming across all VOD and digital platforms from Amazon Prime to Itunes to ApplePlay to Fandango to GooglePlay, with a limited run at Quintin Tarantino’s The Vista Theatre.
Follow her @DaniellaPick on Instagram and follow the film @ThePerfectGamble
