Hope Springs (2012)

Directed by: David Frankel | 100 minutes | comedy, drama, romance | Actors: Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, Steve Carell, Elisabeth Shue, Molly Sims, Jean Smart, Ben Rappaport, Marin Ireland, Patch Darragh, Brett Rice, Becky Ann Baker, Charles Techman

‘Hope Springs’ has a theme that everyone can relate to. The film is about a marriage that after thirty years no longer has the same passion as before. Whether you have experienced it yourself or not; understandably, it occurs in many marriages. The most important question of the film is therefore: how do you bring back the spark in a long-term relationship?

Kay and Arnold have been married for 31 years. Their two children have both left home. The couple lives quite apart and they have been sleeping in a separate room for years. The somewhat insecure Kay begins to feel increasingly unhappy in her marriage and tries to discuss this with her husband. Arnold, however, sees no problem in their regular routine and waves the problems away. Kay learns through a help book that therapist Dr. Feld provides intensive couples therapy in a coastal town in Maine. Without saying anything to Arnold, Kay enrolls both of them for a week of therapy. After a lot of grumbling, Arnold goes along anyway. In Maine, the two learn that they have to work hard to save their marriage.

Don’t be fooled by the mostly comedic trailer. The film is certainly funny here and there, but always in a subtle way. That certainly fits with the entire tone of the film. ‘Hope Springs’ is mainly an actor’s film that certainly does not disappoint in that respect.

A movie with Meryl Streep in the lead role is for many people a reason to buy a cinema ticket anyway. The Grande Dame of Hollywood hardly disappoints in her films. She is also completely at home in ‘Hope Springs’. Streep is likeable as sweet Kay, who no longer settles for her boring marriage. She lacks intimacy and without really daring to show it becomes increasingly lonely. Kay is a little shy but bold enough to drag Arnold to Maine. Pay special attention to the moments when Kay is vulnerable to Arnold by making (physical) contact. In it, Streep shows in very small gestures why she is at the top. Jones and Streep make a believable couple and the chemistry in the happy scenes is abundant.

Steve Carell usually plays the lollipop in movies. He already proved that he can handle serious roles in ‘Little Miss Sunshine’. He also has a quiet role in ‘Hope Springs’ and mainly acts as the principal for Streep and Jones. Still, he has a pivotal role in the film and Carell is skilled enough not to let himself be taken off the screen. Despite the presence of Streep and Carell, it is Tommy Lee Jones who steals the show. At first it looks like he’s playing his standard grumbler role, but there’s more depth to the role of Jones. Where Kay is immediately willing to work hard for her marriage, Arnold must first learn to see that things are anything but smooth at home. This development is where most of the humor and poignancy of the film lies. Jones can be grumpy in a comedic way like no other, but catches the eye when he has to fight back tears on the couch at Dr. field.

Maine is a welcome change of location in the film. It’s something different than the standard Los Angeles or New York for once. What is unfortunately disturbing is the often striking choice of music. When Kay and Arnold contemplate their marriage in their own rooms, while a cliché song like ‘Why’ by Annie Lennox is played very loudly, it feels like an insult to the viewer. Even without music that literally reflects the thoughts of the characters, it is clear what the scene is about. It feels like director Frankel underestimates his audience. Despite the minor flaws, ‘Hope Springs’ is a warm film about marriage. Fans of Meryl Streep will get their money’s worth, despite Tommy Lee Jones stealing the show just a little more with his convincing role.