Charlie and Hope
2018 · 14m
Directed by Ari Frenkel
Genres: comedy, drama, romance
Tones: contemplative, tender
On the same day Charlie plans to propose, Hope is offered an unexpected opportunity that could alter her life forever and leave Charlie behind.
Picked by Zoe
The scouts
The premise lands like a greeting card until it doesn't—but the film never quite commits to the subversion, playing it safe in the margins where it should go feral.
A cleanly constructed moment of romantic rupture that understands its debt to the indie romance lineage; the restraint pays dividends, even if it doesn't quite transcend the form.
That choice to hold on Hope's face in the moment of decision—letting uncertainty eclipse joy—is the entire film, and it's enough; everything before and after exists only to earn that one honest look.
Reviews
"Charlie and Hope" is a romantic comedy that tells the story of a young couple at a crossroads. On the same day Charlie plans to propose, Hope is offered an unexpected opportunity that would alter her life forever and possibly leave Charlie behind.