Indie Film Review: The Addiction of Hope: The Dream Is Real. So Is the Damage

Jo (Anne-Marie Johnson) and Vanessa (Erika Alexander)

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The Addiction of Hope is a gorgeous expression that reflects how hard it is to let go of what was and live in what is. The film follows Jo (Anne-Marie Johnson, *Hollywood Shuffle), a female actor of a certain age who finds herself at a crossroads in her career. After achieving fame starring in a sitcom several years ago, she’s at the age where female actors become invisible in Hollywood. Jo is uncoupled and child-free, owns a beautiful house with a view and a pool in Silver Lake, and has resources, but she yearns for her career to be what it once was. Her agent Roger (Alan Rosenberg, The Good Fight) still believes in her talent and works hard to find roles for her, but it’s all slim pickings. When Jo inadvertently has to go out of town, she ends up staying with her sister Lynnie (Harley Jane Kozak, When Harry Met Sally*) and discovers news that makes her question her life’s choices. As Jo, Anne-Marie Johnson is flawless. Her range allows her to embody every nuance of this character with authenticity. She hits all of the layers and complexity of this actor without holding back any punches. I believed every moment on screen and was able to just lose myself in the story and be moved by the experience.

There is a moment where Jo is just driving in her car, remembering what life was like when she was young, that brought tears to my eyes. There wasn’t an intricate flashback scene, just an actor driving through LA remembering. That moment paid off because of each moment of storytelling that made it possible for the story to earn that deeply touching scene. Any actor, or anyone who has lived long enough to make the tough career decision Jo makes in this film, will understand the complexity of that beautifully played moment.

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Jo (Anne-Marie Johnson) and Charisse (Shari Belafonte)

Written and directed by Martin Grey (For All Mankind,who also plays David in the film), The Addiction of Hope is a slice of life film that anyone who balances career and family life can relate to. The script is well written, and the cast is superb and includes the always connected and hilarious Erika Alexander (Living Single) as Vanessa, Clancey Brown (Carnivale) as Riz the director, Shari Belafonte (The Morning Show) as Jo’s friend Charisse, and Harley Jane Kozak (When Harry Met Sally) as Jo’s sister Lynnie. The relationship between siblings Jo and Lynnie was complex with so many layers and textures. The energy between these two actors and the writing made the relationship feel authentic. Sometimes, these sisters did not fight fair and said things that hurt, but they never went as far as saying hurtful things that could not be forgiven. I loved how the impact of Jo’s being adopted by this white family was woven into the dysfunctional relationship she had with her mother through subtext. Even though Jo and Lynnie’s mother passed away years ago, these two women still feel the trauma of her influence years later. Jo even has taken on some of her adopted mother’s negative habits to self-medicate as she contemplates her career. How hard it must be to have been a sought after female actor in youth, only to have that power and influence disappear when the project that made you famous was over.

As Jo travels to different locations in the movie, random people recognize her from the long ago TV show that made her famous. She’s always polite and kind, but those interactions take their toll. The Addiction of Hope is the perfect title that deftly reflects what life as an Actor can be as a cautionary tale. Cinematographer David Marroquin is super talented, and the film is just a feast for the eyes. I had a screener I could stream on my big-screen TV, and every frame was a work of art. I think this film should be shown in every theater program and acting conservatory so that young actors get an idea of what’s down the road.

The story takes its time allowing the moments to sink in, and you can actually hear the dialogue clearly. As in many independent films, the pacing of some scenes could have moved a little bit, but overall The Addiction of Hope is quite moving, and the ending is satisfying. Every single woman in this film is beautiful in ways that young women can look forward to being. Becoming a working actor and nurturing a sucessful career is an accomplishment. But rarely do we get a look into the unintended consequences of the laser focus it takes on women. Despite all of Jo’s success, her family still has to point out that she is uncoupled and child-free. Those words cut sharp as knives at a time when Jo is vulnerable and doubting herself. Great films make us think about our own lives, and boy does this film make a female actor think about the unintended consequences of a successful acting career. This film brought a tear to my eye, and that’s a good thing.

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The Addiction of Hope is certified fresh 4.5 out of 5 tomatoes and is now streaming on YouTube, Google Play, Amazon, and other streaming platforms. CLICK HERE for streaming locations.

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J9