Written and directed by Marc-Antoine Turcotte, co-written by Zoé Duval, a young man grapples with the profound stigma associated with living with HIV after contracting the virus from his long-term partner. Starring: Joshua Bilbao, Myles Stuart, Michelle Tzontchev, Jérémie Earp, Fariba Bonakdar, Barbada, Lauri-Ann Lauzon and Raul Huerta Aguilera.

The key aspect to consider with Hope in Vein is the story because it highlights an absolutely vital need to have open conversations about sexual health. Both in the context of HIV and in the wider sense, to show the importance of awareness and education. Marc-Antoine Turcotte and Zoé Duval’s writing handles Matt’s (Joshua Bilbao) emotional journey post-diagnosis very well. It starts out with the typical fear and anxiety, which Turcotte does a fantastic job of incorporating into the atmosphere, intensifying his directorial style, almost with a touch of thriller.

As the story moves forward, it becomes about living while positive and the internal conflict that can create. Primarily through the idea of transparency, being open with all of your partners ahead of time and having to prepare yourself for their potentially negative reactions. Hope in Vein portrays how that can be a punishing experience and Joshua Bilbao’s performance captures that superbly. He creates a kind, responsible and energetic personality, making Matt very relatable and sympathetic. Making it easy to understand the complicated reality which he faces and how no-one is perfect when you’re walking into a minefield of stigma.

There are times when the film can veer into sentimental territory and it runs a touch long. The moments where it keeps its feet most firmly on the ground, with a very real atmosphere, are its strongest and they do balance out its emotional side. Myles Stuart’s performance can feel forced at times, he doesn’t quite have as natural of a presence as Bilbao. Whereas Jérémie Earp adds some charm to the proceedings and Michelle Tzontchev brings the comforting but concerned presence of a good friend.

Hope in Vein creates a fantastic starting point for a discussion about being open and compassionate when it comes to HIV and sexual health. Portraying the need to remove stigma, which unnecessarily complicates things and harms those already struggling. Marc-Antoine Turcotte’s directorial style nicely evolves along with the changing emotions of Matt and Joshua Bilbao brings the character to life with a big personality. Turcotte creates a relatable and touching exploration of living with HIV.

Verdict: ✯✯✯✯ | 8/10

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