The Substance of Things Hoped For (2006) Poster

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8/10
Quiet and Ambient
SteveJ_8882 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
First off, I love IMBD but the prominently featured plot summary seems to give away a key element without warning, violating IMDB's own rules. It's possible that I missed something while watching the movie or saw an edited version, but in any case I'm glad I didn't check out the movie on IMBD before watching it. I can't recall another movie for which I'd say that. I understand that the summary probably comes from another source and IMBD can't check everything.

The acting and production in general are excellent, but the movie is probably not for everyone. It's an ethereal and melancholy story that will appeal to people who like movies that delve into the meaning of life, etc.

Somewhat poetic and mystical in nature but unlike many works that fit that description, the movie tells a clear and linear story without blur-outs, space-time shifts, or other ambiguities. Though dark in itself, the story is told mostly in daylight without excessive gloom.

The music is atmospheric and appropriate but slightly overdone at times, especially at the beginning. Some scenes would have been better with less or no music.

If you want a break from car chases, shootouts, and the general hysteria of many movies, this may be a welcomed change of pace.
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8/10
Sensitive and well told
williamgway30 April 2021
A well told story that deals with the sensitive topic of mental health. Well presented and done in a productive way. Enjoyed and worth a watch.
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8/10
A beautiful and enigmatic story
BigHarvey29 April 2021
This is a beautiful and enigmatic story that possesses the sort of melancholy one expects from a Terrance Malick film. It deals with a young woman struggles with identity and meaning as she is faced with a difficult life-changing decision. Enjoyable performances from Ray Wise and Vanessa Lengies combined with its simple yet intriguing narrative holds your attention to the very end.
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10/10
Daphne is a woman of "Substance."
dooqofurl2 June 2006
"Substance" is the real thing: A haunting treatise on faith, science, fate, and free will. It's a film I will gladly watch again. Though I saw this film in rough cut, I'm still geeked about it. It just snuck up on me...I mean, it's everything an independent film should be: brave, thought provoking, well-performed, thumb-your-nose-at-Hollywood cinema...artful in both thought and word. "Substance" is a film you take to dinner after the show: one you want to share with others. Take a friend to it, and afterwards you will converse in the truest sense. Ray (Dr. Lessing) and Vanessa (Daphne) simply explode off the screen, and the newcomer, Lorena York (Kate), is electric. And I might as well say it now: This script will win scads of awards.

I'm giving it a "10" because even though the sound wasn't perfect, the film did everything a film should. Make no mistake..."Substance" is an important work of art, one I will most certainly make part of my collection (when it becomes available).
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10/10
Finally, a movie that gives viewers credit for having a brain!
mph-1910 April 2007
Wow. This is the type of film that is sorely missing from the normal roster of mind-numbing, CGI-reliant, inane schlock that movie-goers are forced to choose from. The script is brilliantly conceived and crafted in such a way that you are pulled along delicately scene by scene until you're hit hard with a dramatic conclusion that left me and my friends talking for hours after we left the theater.

Faith and religion are topics that are usually only discussed superficially in film, but this movie throws them right in your face and makes you really think about them. But (and here's where the true mastery of this film really comes through) The Substance of Things Hoped For manages to do that without taking sides and without being judgmental. It does couch the message in a Judeo-Christian belief system, but that seems to be merely a device to tell the story. Insert your own set of beliefs and the message still comes through.

If, like me, you've tired of films with plot lines so thin they should check themselves into rehab with Nicole Ritchie, then I highly recommend checking out The Substance of Things Hoped For. It will make you think, it will make you talk, it might even make you believe.
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1/10
Are you kidding?
lorimcdowell-2333718 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
My first review here and I had to do it because I guarantee the other reviews here, which suggest this movie is something moving and magical, are written by bots or religious nuts. This movie was not profound or moving. It was a mess. It had lovely music, and the actors gave it their best, but it was barely coherent, with schizophrenia, unplanned pregnancy, and something about choices as its themes.

Spoilers: the dolphins are quoting the Bible??? Yes. Yes, they do. Stay away from this movie!
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9/10
Glad to have found this
directortim201227 April 2021
This film is a gem that I just happened to stumble across. A well told story that deals with mental health and questions of spirit. It's well written and shot. And what a pleasure to see Ray Wise in one of the roles. I'm a big Twin Peaks fan and loved him as Laura Palmer's dad Leland in that. Just overall a really terrific film!
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2/10
Oh My God!
albtcamus21 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Can't believe I watched this whole movie wondering where it was taking me. Folks, it's a movie for Christians. The effen dolphins recite a passage in the Bible. Effen kiddin me?!?!
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9/10
Fascinating Journey of the Mind
EAreviews29 April 2021
I loved the suspense in this movie from beginning to end! Really makes your mind wonder about the crossovers between science and religion and all the possibilities in between. Free your thoughts to let the light shine through. Quite a delight of a movie. Well done!
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8/10
Brilliant and eye-opening
robinhoodinmoscow28 April 2021
I was just so intrigued by the title and just gave it a try. The Substance of Things Hoped For did not disappoint. It's a subtle indie film tackling the issue of mental health in an unusual and thought-provoking way. Greg Morgan will be one filmmaker to follow.
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10/10
This Movie Will MOVE YOU!!!
skinnyrie25 May 2021
This movie will seriously move you! Intense storyline that draws you in & holds you from beginning to end. Honest acting and a serious look at what happens when mental illness verses life collide. This one checks all the boxes for me! Well thought out, well told and we'll done. I enjoyed being drawn into her journey. The ending revelation, WOW. No spoiler, but just loved it! Powerful. I recommend this must watch film for everyone.
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9/10
A wonderful indie film!!
AtTheMovies5228 April 2021
Holy cow! This is such a good film! I stumbled upon it, watched the trailer, and thought why not. Oh my goodness I'm glad I decided to check this film out! Loved it from beginning to end! It really makes you stop and think about things. I don't want to give spoilers. But this one gets a big thumbs up for me! Congratulations to all involved with this terrific movie!
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9/10
Spiritually moving.
NickRizzini4 May 2021
Even without sharing the same belief system, one can't help but feeling moved by the screenplay and the scenography. The ideas behind it, dealing with religious belief and mental health, feel very original and it's overall acted really well.
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9/10
highly recommend
mich1elle30 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is great. Wonderful story, great actors. I highly recommend this one.
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9/10
Great characters and solid cast. I recommend!
jimborussell27 April 2021
Enjoyed this film and brings awareness to mental health Well written and shot. Great characters and solid cast. I recommend!
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