Hope

Anja, a successful theatre director, lives a seemingly perfect life with her partner Tomas and their three children. However, her world is turned upside down when she is diagnosed with a terminal illness. As she navigates the daunting prognosis and grapples with the possibility of leaving her family, hidden truths and complicated relationships come to the surface, forcing her to confront her own mortality and the nature of love.

Hope received widespread critical acclaim for its raw emotional honesty, powerful performances, and sensitive portrayal of a difficult subject. Critics lauded the film's unflinching look at life, love, and death, praising its ability to find moments of beauty and resilience amidst profound sorrow.

• A deeply moving and authentic portrayal of a woman facing her own mortality.

• Stellar performances from the lead actors, particularly Andrea Bræin Hovig.

• The film beautifully balances tragedy with moments of profound love and human connection.

Google audience: Audiences found 'Hope' to be an incredibly powerful and emotionally resonant film. Many praised its realistic depiction of illness and its impact on family dynamics, highlighting the performances and the film's ability to evoke strong emotions. Some viewers noted its somber tone but overwhelmingly appreciated its honesty and depth.

Won the Audience Award at the 2020 Göteborg Film Festival, nominated for Best Film at the 2020 Nordic Council Film Prize.

The film is based on director Maria Sødahl's own experience with cancer, drawing heavily from her personal journey and relationship with her husband.