Is Keeping Hope Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Keeping Hope is likely a skip if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 56 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Keeping Hope Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2023, Keeping Hope emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Coles Smith, an actor and Nyikina man, grew up surrounded by the astounding beauty of the Kimberley. Unlike standard genre fare, Keeping Hope attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Tyson Mowarin, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Documentary elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and Keeping Hope features a noteworthy lineup led by Mark Coles Smith.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Mark Coles Smith manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2023 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Documentary space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Keeping Hope is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Keeping Hope follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 56 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Keeping Hope resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Documentary landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 0/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Keeping Hope is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Coles Smith, an actor and Nyikina man, grew up surrounded by the astounding beauty of the Kimberley. But there is deep heartache ingrained below the surface of this postcard-perfect landscape: the rate of suicide among the region’s young First Nations men is alarmingly high. For Coles Smith, these terrible statistics – some of the most troubling in the world – are more than just numbers; his best friend tragically took his own life when they were in their 20s. Keeping Hope follows his intensely personal search for answers and, hopefully, solutions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Keeping Hope (2023) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 0/10 and strong performance metrics in the Documentary categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Mark Coles Smith or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Keeping Hope is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2023. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch Keeping Hope Online?
Streaming HubParents Guide & Age Rating
Keeping Hope has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, Keeping Hope stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2023 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keeping Hope movie hit or flop?
Keeping Hope is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Keeping Hope worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Keeping Hope may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Keeping Hope online?
Keeping Hope may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Explore More Verdicts
Synopsis
Coles Smith, an actor and Nyikina man, grew up surrounded by the astounding beauty of the Kimberley. But there is deep heartache ingrained below the surface of this postcard-perfect landscape: the rate of suicide among the region’s young First Nations men is alarmingly high. For Coles Smith, these terrible statistics – some of the most troubling in the world – are more than just numbers; his best friend tragically took his own life when they were in their 20s. Keeping Hope follows his intensely personal search for answers and, hopefully, solutions.