Not Without Hope is an intense 2025 survival thriller film that brings an extraordinary true story to the screen. Directed by Joe Carnahan (known for The Grey and The A-Team), the movie is based on the 2010 New York Times best-selling nonfiction book of the same title, co-authored by Nick Schuyler and Jeré Longman.
The narrative recounts the real-life and tragic boating accident that occurred in February 2009. Best friends Nick Schuyler (played by Zachary Levi) and Will Bleakley (Marshall Cook), along with NFL players Marquis Cooper (Quentin Plair) and Corey Smith (Terrence Terrell), embark on a deep-sea fishing trip out of Clearwater, Florida, venturing 70 miles into the Gulf of Mexico. Disaster strikes when the friends attempt to free a trapped anchor just as a severe storm approaches. Their boat capsizes, violently throwing the four men into the freezing, dark ocean.
Not Without Hope Age Rating
Not Without Hope is officially rated R for language throughout. This means the film contains frequent and pervasive strong profanity used during high-stress and emotional moments. Parents should be aware that the film pairs its strong language with intense survival sequences rooted in a real-life tragedy, creating a mature and emotionally heavy viewing experience.
Violence & Peril
The film contains sustained, realistic peril as the four men struggle to survive in the open ocean. There are long scenes of freezing waters, crashing waves, physical exhaustion, hypothermia, dehydration, and the fear of sharks in the surrounding waters. While the violence isn’t graphic, the emotional impact is intense. The tension never fully lets up, and the film frequently highlights the psychological collapse that occurs during prolonged survival situations.
Language
Strong language is present throughout the entire film, with frequent use of the f-word and other intense profanity. Characters use harsh language to express fear, pain, and desperation. The tone is raw and realistic, matching the film’s grounding in a true, traumatic event.
Mature Themes
Because the movie is based on a real tragedy, the thematic weight is significant. The story explores grief, loss, survival guilt, the emotional toll of life-or-death situations, and the desperation that sets in as hope slips away. Scenes involving first responders, families awaiting news, and the unfolding tragedy may be emotionally overwhelming. There is no notable sexual content or nudity; the maturity comes from the intensity of the situation.
Is Not Without Hope Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not Suitable. The film’s heavy themes, constant danger, and strong language make it inappropriate for younger viewers. The emotional distress depicted may be too overwhelming.
Ages 13–15: Not Recommended. Even for mid-teens, the film may be too intense. The realistic depiction of death and despair, paired with nonstop strong profanity, may be upsetting. Parents should avoid this age group unless the teen is exceptionally mature.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Older teens may handle the intensity if they understand it’s a true story. The film is emotionally heavy and contains frequent strong language. Parents should prepare teens for the tragic elements and discuss the real-world context before watching.
Final Recommendation: Best suited for older teens (16+) and adults, with guidance for sensitive viewers.
What Parents Can Do
Prepare teens by explaining the real-life event, including the emotional stakes and the tragic outcome.
Discuss survival situations, mental resilience, and why true-story adaptations can feel more intense than fictional ones.
After viewing, talk about grief, heroism, and the challenges faced by first responders and victims’ families.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for Not Without Hope?
A: It is officially Rated R for language throughout.
Q: Is Not Without Hope appropriate for kids or young teens?
A: No. The intense danger, emotional weight, and pervasive strong language make it unsuitable for younger viewers.
Q: How scary or intense is Not Without Hope?
A: The film is emotionally intense, focusing on realistic survival terror, hypothermia, and psychological strain rather than graphic violence.
Q: Does Not Without Hope contain strong language or slurs?
A: Yes. Strong profanity is used consistently throughout the film.
Q: Is there any sexual content?
A: No notable sexual content or nudity is present; the film’s maturity comes from peril and emotional trauma.
Q: When and where can I watch it?
A: The film premiered at the Austin Film Festival and will be released in U.S. theaters on December 12, 2025.