Hope

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2:38

Hope

2021

2h 6m

Drama

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

47 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

ANJA lives with TOMAS in a large family of biological children and stepchildren. For a number of years the two adults have grown independent of each other, with creative jobs in parallel worlds. When Anja gets a terminal cancer diagnosis, their modern life breaks down and exposes neglected love. Alone with her grief and her fears, Anja realizes that she needs Tomas' full help and support. It's their only chance. How else will their children find the strength once she is gone, if their parents are unable to weather the storm together? Anja and Tomas are thrown into a crash course in mutual trust, and eventually a joint struggle, to deal with this unexpected and premature death. By getting to know each other anew, they unconsciously become principal characters in a love story, finally learning to truly love each other after a long life spent together.

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Critics Consensus

A movingly personal work from writer-director Maria Sødahl, Hope sees stars Bræin Hovig and Stellan Skarsgård powerfully portraying a turning point in one couple's long love story.

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

12/07/2021

3/5

Hovig and Skarsgård are both very good.

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Ty Burr

Boston Globe

04/22/2021

3.5/4

The movie offers hope to its characters but, even more affectingly, to us.

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Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

04/22/2021

3.5/4

Andrea Bræin Hovig and Stellan Skarsgard are transcendent.

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Jayne Nelson

Radio Times

12/07/2023

3/5

Sødahl's loose, eavesdropping style helps to convey both the highs and lows in an intimate way that never feels forced or gratuitous, making for a film that is bold, unusual and even, at times, uplifting.

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

08/17/2022

4.5/5

A deeply affecting relationship drama anchored by two unforgettable performances.

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Edward Porter

Sunday Times (UK)

12/12/2021

4/5

Though the set-up might still seem a contrived excuse for drama, the characters are believable. Hovig and Skarsgard are both excellent.

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Katia O

Feb 4

She was in remission of a lung cancer when things change. She is unhappy with her marriage but she must count on him . So they have to go through a lot together. Great cast, a story well told. Special

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Peter W

04/29/2023

Overall, this is a dramatic and heavy story with a surprising touch of romance along the way. Performances are undoubtedly praiseworthy, primarily from leading actress Andrea Bræin Hovig. For the most part, the pacing is excellent as our leads encounter many hurdles and challenges, which are all generally unexpected and touching. Hope is undoubtedly a heartfelt, enjoyable story, but I can't deny that moment from the third act felt somewhat forced and draining. This film will undoubtedly evoke several emotions in its audiences, and the talent-filled movie will leave a positive and lasting impression on your heart.

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Jon T

03/31/2023

Good film, probably more so for an older audience for whom this will resonate. Ostensibly about a terminal cancer diagnosis its real subject matter is how we maintain and negotiate long term partnering in a world of free choice and rampant individualism. My only reservations are its length and its syrupy final section.

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dave d

02/04/2022

Andrea Bræin Hovig and Stellan Skarsgård elevate a story that's been told a million times. The duo play a married couple that has a major obstacle thrown their way. Maria Sødahl's film script is balanced and is based on her own experiences. For that reason, it's authentic and engaging. The ending is fairly unique which may rub viewers the wrong way. The cancer genre can miss the point, but this film is hopeful and filled with humor. It touches on a multitude of emotions. This Norwegian film might not be for everyone, but the leads are so tremendous you can get lost in their performance. Final Score 7.3/10

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Maria Sødahl

Director

Stellan Skarsgård

Tomas

Andrea Bræin Hovig

Anja

Elli Rhiannon Müller Osborne

Julie

Johannes Joner

Frans

Steinar Klouman Hallert

Simon

Hope: Trailer 1

2:38

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Synopsis

ANJA lives with TOMAS in a large family of biological children and stepchildren. For a number of years the two adults have grown independent of each other, with creative jobs in parallel worlds. When Anja gets a terminal cancer diagnosis, their modern life breaks down and exposes neglected love. Alone with her grief and her fears, Anja realizes that she needs Tomas' full help and support. It's their only chance. How else will their children find the strength once she is gone, if their parents are unable to weather the storm together? Anja and Tomas are thrown into a crash course in mutual trust, and eventually a joint struggle, to deal with this unexpected and premature death. By getting to know each other anew, they unconsciously become principal characters in a love story, finally learning to truly love each other after a long life spent together.

Director: Maria Sødahl
Producer: Thomas Robsahm, Yngve Sæther
Screenwriter: Maria Sødahl
Distributor: KimStim
Production Co: Motlys
Genre: Drama, Romance
Original Language: Norwegian
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 16, 2021, Limited
Runtime: 2h 6m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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