Watch Anchor & Hope

Anchor & Hope is a 2017 British-Spanish comedy-drama film directed by Carlos Marques-Marcet. The movie stars Oona Chaplin, Natalia Tena, and Geraldine Chaplin in lead roles. The story revolves around a couple, Eva and Kat, who are in a loving and committed relationship. They live on a houseboat called "Anchor" in London's Regent's Canal, which is their home and workspace, where they run a successful canal-based mobile veterinary practice.

The film starts with Eva and Kat's life being disrupted when Eva's friend, Roger (played by David Verdaguer), comes to visit them. They have no idea what to expect but soon find out that Roger wants to donate his sperm to Eva, so they can start a family. Eva is initially hesitant, but Kat sees this as an opportunity to start a family, and their relationship goes through a series of highs and lows as they navigate their way through this new arrangement.

The movie is ultimately about the dynamics of relationships and the challenges that come with making big decisions that involve all parties. Eva and Kat are forced to re-evaluate their relationship and their expectations of each other, and their friendship with Roger is also tested. The movie beautifully captures the complexities of human emotions, the struggles of modern relationships, and the challenges of parenthood.

The performances by the lead actresses are outstanding, with Oona Chaplin portraying the role of Eva, the stoic and reserved vet, who struggles to adapt to the changes in her life. Natalia Tena, who plays Kat, is energetic and free-spirited, which often clashes with Eva's grounded and logical nature. The two actresses have fantastic chemistry, and their intimate moments are genuine and heartfelt.

Geraldine Chaplin, who plays Eva's mother, is a delightful addition to the movie. She is a bohemian artist who is estranged from her daughter, but her arrival opens up another layer of the story. Her portrayal of an aging, free-spirited artist is both humorous and poignant.

The movie also has a beautiful visual aspect to it. The canal and the houseboat setting provide an idyllic backdrop for the film. The cinematography captures the beauty of the canal and the often-overlooked aspects of life on the water. The use of natural light and shades of blue and green mirror the tone of the movie - calm and reflective.

The movie has a strong feminist message, subtly conveyed throughout the film. It explores female sexuality, motherhood, and the challenges of balancing personal ambition and relationships. The movie challenges gender stereotypes by portraying both Eva and Kat as strong and independent women, who are not afraid to make unconventional choices.

Anchor & Hope is a heartwarming and bittersweet movie that tugs at your heartstrings. The movie beautifully captures the essence of human relationships and celebrates the complexities and nuances of human emotions. The movie is thought-provoking, humorous, and poignant all at once, and it's a must-watch for anyone who wants to witness a heartening story of love, friendship, and parenthood.

Anchor & Hope is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 67.