Hope

A successful contemporary dancer, Anja, is faced with a life-altering diagnosis of terminal cancer just before Christmas. She must navigate her fear and uncertainty while confronting her complicated relationship with her filmmaker husband, Tomas. The film follows their journey through treatment, family dynamics, and the profound impact of mortality on their love and lives.

Hope received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of a serious illness and its impact on relationships. Critics praised the performances of the lead actors, the directing, and the film's emotional depth and authenticity.

• A deeply moving and honest exploration of life, love, and mortality.

• Praised for its raw emotional power and nuanced performances, especially from Andrea Bræin Hovig.

• Offers a realistic and unsentimental look at facing terminal illness and its effect on a marriage.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's emotional impact, with many appreciating its realistic depiction of a difficult subject matter and the strong performances. Some viewers found it challenging due to its subject, but most found it ultimately rewarding and thought-provoking.

Nominated for the Nordic Council Film Prize, and won awards at the Tokyo International Film Festival for Best Film and Best Actress (Andrea Bræin Hovig).

The film is based on director Maria Sødahl's own experience with cancer and her relationship with her husband, Anja and Tomas's characters are based on Sødahl and her husband.