Not Without Hope: A Survival Thriller That Defies Expectations

Survival thrillers tend to put both their characters and viewers through the wringer, often relying on a palette of greys and washed-out blues to evoke a sense of despair. Not Without Hope, however, takes a different approach. Based on the real ordeal of four friends stranded in the Gulf of Mexico, the film opts for vivid visuals and a focus on the relentless exhaustion of their predicament. Director Joe Carnahan transforms the ocean into a formidable presence—at once mesmerising and menacing.

Visuals and Atmosphere

The story centres on Nick Schuyler (Zachary Levi), joined by NFL players Marquis Cooper (Quentin Plair) and Corey Smith (Terrence Terrell), as well as USF Bulls player Will Bleakly (Marshall Cook). What begins as a light-hearted fishing trip quickly spirals into a desperate struggle to stay alive. Carnahan’s direction shuns the genre’s usual drabness, instead embracing saturated hues. The deep blues of the sea clash with the stormy sky, creating a striking backdrop. While this boldness is refreshing, it does come at a price—the CGI occasionally falters, particularly in wide shots of the tempest. Yet, whenever the film leans into practical effects, the atmosphere becomes truly immersive. The sound design, layering the ceaseless roar of waves with the wind’s howl, is both draining and impressive.

Performances in the water are the film’s anchor. Zachary Levi delivers a raw, physical performance, shedding his familiar comedic image. His portrayal captures the desperation of the situation, and the supporting cast matches his intensity. The chemistry among the group feels genuine, their camaraderie established long before disaster strikes.

Handling Tragedy with Care

Portraying real-life tragedy on screen is a delicate task, but Carnahan manages to strike a balance between authenticity and respect. The film honours the men’s stories, avoiding exploitation and instead offering moments that are quietly moving. The depiction of loss lingers, never reducing the individuals to mere plot devices. Their relationships are believable, built on a foundation that feels lived-in.

However, the narrative stumbles when it shifts away from the water. Josh Duhamel appears as the Coast Guard captain leading the search, a character who feels somewhat shoehorned into the story. Each time the tension on the boat reaches its peak, the film cuts to Duhamel in a sterile control room, which disrupts the momentum and lessens the impact of the main narrative.

Pacing, Sound, and Final Impressions

Despite these interruptions, the pacing remains brisk and engaging. The film’s thrills are grounded in the immediate dangers of hypothermia and dehydration, rather than resorting to clichéd threats. The score is effective, heightening the tension without tipping into melodrama, though it might have been used more liberally to mask some of the less convincing dialogue in the Coast Guard scenes.

Not Without Hope is occasionally at war with itself, but the good side wins decisively. The main survival story is intense, well-acted, and visually distinct. It’s an honourable story to portray, and when the camera stays on the boat, it’s a very well-done tribute to the resilience of the human spirit. A worthwhile watch, this survival thriller manages to be beautiful, heartbreaking, and terrifying all at once.

The film is set for release in cinemas on 12 December.