When I was a kid, my friends and I would play a game called “would you rather?” and one of the questions we always asked was “would you rather be lost in the ocean or lost in space?” This story
illustrates the panic of the first scenario at its worst. Adrift was more terrifying than almost any horror film I’ve ever seen. The intensity is extraordinarily palpable. The fact that it is based on a true story makes it even more chilling. This is the story of Tami Oldham and Richard Sharp and their attempted voyage from Tahiti to San Diego in 1983. Unbeknownst to them, it was one of the harshest hurricane seasons ever for that area and they were hit by the disastrous Hurricane Raymond.
The way this film is shot is stunning. Even with the craziest storm scenes, you still appreciate the beautiful cinematography. This was my favorite part of Adrift. They really maximized showcasing the beauty of the ocean, which was a character all on its own. The placement of the scenes was also crucial to the tone. We see the timing flip back and forth between the present and past, between the struggle of drifting and the story of Tami and Richard falling in love and how they came to sail together. There are some romantic moments in the flashbacks, however, the rapid transitions between the two times leave you uneasy. You never know when the change in times will happen, and you already know what is coming, or at least you think you do. Because of this, you do not get to truly enjoy the sweet story of the past. The uneasiness forces you to stay in distress, which allows you to better connect with the conflict of the present story
My least favorite part of the movie is the two main characters’ lack of chemistry. Don’t get me wrong, both Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin’s performances are amazing. The chemistry just wasn’t that strong, especially in the beginning of what we know to be the development of their relationship. It felt as though they had just started dating when they were supposed to be months in and agreed to sail together. It doesn’t get in the way of enjoying the story, it just adds to the confusion of what takes place. You can sense their love later in their storyline.
Tami’s journey is brave, harrowing and profound. She is so strong yet very relatable as she waivers like any sane person would. They do not paint her as unrealistically optimistic. We feel every up and down she feels. Shailene Woodley’s performance is captivating and highly expressive. Her acting along with the filmmakers’ cinematic choices push the audience to endure the panic, determination, and all the emotions Tami confronts. I imagine the impact of this story is a bit lost when seen outside of the theater, so I would run and buy tickets today if I were you. I give Adrift an 8 for the intensity and Tami’s perseverance!
