The sea can be beautiful. But on one fateful fishing trip, it became unforgiving. Not Without Hope tells an emotionally gripping, true-life story of endurance and friendship, where every wave, every breath, and every heartbeat counts in the fight to live.
Ready to sweat? Watch the trailer:
Based on Nick Schuyler’s memoir, Not Without Hope explores the harrowing ordeal of four friends whose fishing boat capsizes off the coast. What begins as a simple trip across calm waters soon turns into a test of survival, as they face hypothermia, dehydration, and the unrelenting power of nature. Themes of friendship, regret, and the will to survive are at the heart of the story, making this film so much more than just a survival thriller, it's a tribute to the human spirit.
Through the course of the film, we see characters wrestle with their pasts, fear, and guilt, but also come together in moments of solidarity and hope. Their emotional journeys carry weight, and the performances by the cast bring that raw realism to life.
A boat capsizing in open water is one thing; surviving it is another completely. After their vessel flips, the four friends find themselves stranded in cold, churning seas, fighting not just the elements but also their own despair. As time stretches and rescue becomes uncertain, they must dig deep for the strength to hold on.
Meanwhile, on shore, Captain Timothy Close (Josh Duhamel) marshals the Coast Guard, racing against time and the brewing storm to find them. The rescue mission becomes a tense, emotional counterpoint to the struggle at sea. It’s not just about who makes it back, it’s about what survival costs, and whether hope alone is enough.
● Zachary Levi as Nick Schuyler
● Josh Duhamel as Captain Timothy Close
● JoBeth Williams as Marcia
● Quentin Plair as Marquis Cooper
● Terrence Terrell as Corey Smith
● Marshall Cook as Will Bleakley
● Floriana Lima as Paula
● Jessica Blackmore as Rebekah Cooper
Each actor steps into the skin of a real person whose life was forever changed—and whose story is told with honesty, respect, and heart.
This is not a movie you want to watch quietly on your phone or laptop. The vastness of the ocean, the isolation of the open water, the roaring waves, it’s a story that demands the big screen. In a Ster-Kinekor theatre, you can feel the weight of every sea swell, hear the wind whip past, and sense the desperation in every gasp and shout.
The performances are powerful and intimate, but the cinematic scale amplifies the emotional tension. You’ll be drawn into the struggle, rooting for survival, and feeling every moment of uncertainty. The immersive sound and visuals of a Ster-Kinekor theatre will make the difference between watching a survival story and living it for those two hours.
Find your nearest cinema here, and prepare to experience this extraordinary tale of resilience.
Not Without Hope is set for release in South African cinemas on 5 December 2025. This is more than a film, it’s a tribute to real lives, and a reminder of what hope looks like when nothing else feels possible. Book your tickets early for this unforgettable journey of survival and endurance on Ster-Kinekor’s Now Showing.
FOLLOW US
