Anchor & Hope

Anchor & Hope is a compelling drama-comedy movie that was released in the year 2017. This film features brilliant actors like Oona Chaplin, Natalia Tena, and Geraldine Chaplin. Directed by Carlos Marques-Marcet and set against the starkly beautiful backdrop of London's iconic canals, this movie presents a genuine-feeling portrayal of modern love, friendship, and the complexities of parenthood.

At the heart of the film, we see the couple, Kat (Natalia Tena) and Eva (Oona Chaplin), living a carefree and bohemian life on a canal boat in London. This couple’s life plays out in the intimate corridors of their houseboat, translating this setting into a metaphor for their relationship: adrift, closed off from the world, yet directionless.

Kat is a Spanish chiropractor and Eva, daughter of wealthy English parents, teaches English as a foreign language in London. The couple's life is amusingly eccentric - they hold evolution-themed parties where dressing up as an extinct animal is mandatory. However, beneath their vibrant lives, there's a looming issue that’s leading to tension. Eva desires to be a mother and wishes to have a baby, whereas Kat, finds the idea of parenthood to be less appealing and the thought of it somewhat perturbs her.

The dynamic changes swiftly with the arrival of Roger, Kat's life-of-the-party friend from Barcelona, portrayed by David Verdaguer. Roger’s presence stirs things up in their already strained relationship. He brings with him a perspective that shakes the core foundation of Eva and Kat's bohemian experiment. Eva yearns to bring a child into the mix, hoping this could stir things in a positive direction for them, but Kat is less convinced about this endeavor. The tension between the couple escalates as the couple grapples with this gaping issue threatening their relationship's stability.

The presentation of these two starkly contrasting approaches towards parenthood keeps viewers on their toes, engaged, and intrigued throughout the film. The narrative subtly explores the complexities of motherhood, raising questions about modern parenting, commitment, and the prospect of bringing new life into their unsteady world. The trials and tribulations of the couple seeking to navigate these stormy waters form the crux of the story.

Anchor & Hope successfully manages to highlight a diverse and quietly growing slice of society that deserves recognition – the lesbian community. Meanwhile, it paints an effective picture of modern society, with successful attempts to challenge the conventional norms surrounding parenthood and other traditions. The movie doesn’t shy away from addressing the anxieties, doubts, and horror stories that are shared among couples when the question of “kids or no kids?” comes into play.

The film's direction makes clever use of the canal's changing seasons metaphorically, reflecting the ups and downs of Kat and Eva's relationship. One also can’t ignore the fantastic acting performances by all actors, creating believable and realistic characters. Natalia Tena and Oona Chaplin convincingly portray the authentic aura of their characters, and the chemistry between them is palpable, rendering their characters' struggles all the more real and relatable.

Despite dealing with deep themes of love, relationships, and the difficult questions surrounding parenthood, Anchor & Hope incorporates humor effortlessly, balancing out the serious moments. The film's script is dotted with flashes of levity that highlight the naturalness and authenticity of the couple's relationship.

As a closing note, Anchor & Hope presents a vivid, truthful, and unvarnished version of a same-sex couple's reality, while tackling heavy themes around relationships and parenthood. It's a heartfelt narrative that's bound to resonate with all who find themselves considering the responsibilities and life-altering decisions that come with stepping into the realm of parenthood and commitment. As a testament to modern love, Anchor & Hope stands out, connecting emotionally while challenging conventional norms.