Not pretty, but hopeful.
Hope Springs
In theatres now
Directed by David Frankel
Stars Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones and Steve Carell
Rating: 3/5
Kay (Meryl Streep) and Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones) have sunk into a sterile, uncaring routine 30 years into marriage. He recoils from her touch so she stops touching him. Sex is a distant memory. Arnold says their marriage is fine but Kay is ready to walk out.
With heroic effort, Kay convinces him to fly across the country for a week of intensive couple’s therapy with a famous Dr. Feld (Steve Carell in a compelling, compassionate and serious performance), but he fights tooth and claw. There’s wisdom to be gained watching these emotionally crippled characters try to love again.
It’s not pretty — indeed things get pretty ugly as they try to overcome their limitations and years of distance. One step forward, two painful steps back. Hope Springs is tough going but it’s rewarding as a story of courage, backbone … and hope.
You can also find Anne on Twitter @annebrodie and at her own blog.
