Hope

Released Apr 16, 2021

2h 6m

Drama

Romance

TRAILER

for Hope: Trailer 1

List

98%

49 Reviews

Tomatometer

84%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

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 W

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.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/29/23

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Jon T

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.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

matthew r

I know this movie was about more than the surgery, and it would have decreased the quality of the movie if the story played out, but dangit, I wanted to know! Great film, quality acting, Skaarsgard is brilliant as usual. My first exposure to Andrea Bræin Hovig, does extremely well as the lead, beautiful too! Definitely worth the two hours.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

dave d

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

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

brent m

A crisis can change a relationship overnight, as is the case for a couple that has been together for a long time but has grown apart over the years. The ordeal offers them an opportunity for reconciliation and redemption, but, most of all, it affords the possibility for the rebirth of much-needed hope. So it is when a middle-aged mother and professional choreographer receives a diagnosis of a terminal brain tumor, prompting her and her theater producer partner to reevaluate the nature of their relationship. It's a difficult process, full of revelations, the surfacing of brutal honesty and the rekindling of romantic feelings that have long been sidelined by other priorities. Norwegian writer-director Maria Sodahl's third feature explores what this couple undergoes when faced with such trying circumstances, a story effectively brought to life by the film's insightful screenplay and the fine performances of Andrea Braein Hovig and Stellan Skarsgard. While the picture can be a heartbreaking watch, it also illustrates that, when there's life, there's hope, a sentiment aptly and succinctly reflected in this offering's simple but appropriate title.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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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

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23%

79%

Kabir Singh

12%

93%

After We Collided

33%

67%

See You Soon

TRAILER

for See You Soon

100%

%

Real

93%

65%

One Fine Morning

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Hope: Trailer 1

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

Hovig and Skarsgård are both very good.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 7, 2021

Full Review

Ty Burr

Boston Globe

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

Rated: 3.5/4

Apr 22, 2021

Full Review

Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

Andrea Bræin Hovig and Stellan Skarsgard are transcendent.

Rated: 3.5/4

Apr 22, 2021

Full Review

Jayne Nelson

Radio Times

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.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 7, 2023

Full Review

Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

A deeply affecting relationship drama anchored by two unforgettable performances.

Rated: 4.5/5

Aug 17, 2022

Full Review

Edward Porter

Sunday Times (UK)

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

Rated: 4/5

Dec 12, 2021

Full Review

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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: Espen Osmundsen, 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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