Adrift (2018) is a romantic drama and film centered around survival that is arguably the most emotionally powerful film based on a true story of its time. Directed by Baltasar Kormakur and starring Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin, the film draws its inspiration from Tami Oldham Ashcraft’s memoir, detailing her remarkable journey across the ocean in 1983. The film is a narrative built around love and the ability to persevere and fight through some of the most difficult obstacles life can present one with.
Plot Summary
The story centers around Tami Oldham, a young free-spirited woman who disembarks in Tahiti with the hope of exploring the world. There she runs into Richard Sharp, a British sailor who has an equal enthusiasm for exploring the world. There is an instant connection and Tami heads with Richard to embark on the journey of a lifetime across the Pacific Ocean.
With a sudden storm, everything changes. When Tami came to, the storm had passed but the yacht was damaged and Richard was missing. Tami discovered Richard with an injury which prevented him from aiding to steer the vessel.
Richard and Tami are both faced with the reality that the boat supplies are empty. Realizing the situation, Tami was the only one who could guide and steer the vessel. Tami takes on the perilous challenge of mending the yacht, devising means to catch food, store drinking water, and navigate to safety.
Tami emerges bloodied and bruised but psychologically triumphant as she had not given up. Over a month of inner conflict was battled and won. All of these obstacles she faced, was because of the love she held towards Richard.
Main Cast
Shailene Woodley as Tami Oldham
Sam Claflin as Richard Sharp
Carrying the burden of the film with such emotional and genuine performances, these two actors have truly reached the art of acting. In particular, Shailene Woodley has managed to embody a character that had never ending inner strength.
Direction and Production
Adrift is a film by Kormakur Baltasar who is a film maker who focuses more on nature and survival films and as such his direction focuses on balancing Tami and Richard’s romance and their advetures across the ocean.
Realistic scenes were captured by filming on open water amidst the waves, sun, and sea. The ocean’s beauty and the feeling of isolation are beautifully captured by the cinematiography and the sound design enhances the emotional upheaval of the film.
Themes and Symbolism
Unlike other survival films, this motion picture is embedded with love.
- Love and Commitment
The bond between Tami and Richard is the anchor of the film. It is the love that pushes Tami to carry on despite the circumstances and is her ultimate motivation.
- Resilience and Determination
The journey that Tam goes through is described as one filled with defying the odds. Her grief and fear are countered by her actions and in that way she is able showcase the true human nature.
- The Power of Nature
The film does an astonishing job capturing the ocean’s beauty and unpredictability as a respectful listener. The ocean is neither an adversary nor a friend, but a force to be reckoned with and respected. This can be a lesson in humility and mindfulness centering around our existence in the ecosystem.
- Growth Through Adversity
Tami changes from a nomadic young woman with no worries to a witty and brave idealist. This transformation is not only a physical one, but rest also a psychological and self one, most notably how adversity can be the catalyst in sublimating our dormant characteristics.
Performance and Characterization
Shailene Woodley’s complete, captivating and distinct performance exceptionally portrays the emotional side of Tami’s character. Her portrayal of fear, hope, and even exhaustion appears to be authentic and relatable. The film seems to predominantly revolve around Woodley, as most scenes consist of her in minimalist or isolated interactions with other people.
In contrast, Sam Claflin as Richard, adds a genial touch alongside his character’s endearing quality. His character is the source of both still and motivating energy in the beginning of the plot. The essence of his relationship with Tami even at the most challenging is commendable.
Cinematography and Music
The film’s narrative is splendidly complemented by the visuals. The wide ocean shots highlight the character’s insignificance in relation to their environment. The film still manages to evoke a sense of tranquility and contemplation, primarily through soft lighting and the use of earthy and muted tones, even in the most challenging scenes.
Not overpowering, the subtle, almost ethereal emotion of the score enhances the character’s emotional experiences while also supporting the quiet intensity of the film.
Reception and Box Office
From audiences and critics alike, Adrift received mainly positive feedback. Critics focused on the performances, especially Woodley’s, and the film’s earnestness in telling a true survival story. It was praised for emotional storytelling, a realistic portrayal of survival, and a tone of reverence.
With a modest budget, the film was profitable and shows that even today, carefully crafted and emotionally engaging films can reach a wide audience.
Inspiration and Real-Life Connection
In the 1980s, Tami Oldham Ashcraft took a sailing trip that turned infamous for almost ending in disaster – the book Red Sky in Mourning recounts the tale and serves as the basis for the film’s adaptation.
For those who have faced life’s greatest challenges with poise and valor, this film serves as a reminder, and in turn, the knowledge that it draws from a real story adds a sense of emotional weight and realism.
Conclusion
Adrift is an evocative film that intertwined love and loss against the backdrop of the ocean and the willpower of mankind. It is beautiful and heartbreaking all at once. Undoubtedly, the film evokes the question, what is important in life and how far can one go with the right mix of hope and determination. This is something that all of us can aspire to achieve.
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