Adrift

By: Jill Scherr

If you are looking for the perfect kick-off to Summer movie that contains romance, suspense and extreme courage than look no further than Adrift from STX films. The film stars Sam Claflin and Shailene Woodley as two star crossed lovers (Richard Sharp and Tami Oldham) whose chance meeting sets them up for the love story and adventure of a lifetime.

The movie Adrift is based on the real-life memoir called Sky In Mourning by Tami Oldham Ashcraft. Oldham (played by the courageous actress/activist Woodley, who is also a producer on the film) was only twenty years old when she met her British fiancé, Richard Sharp (played to perfection by Claflin). The two had begun sailing his boat called The Mayaluga together for a few months when they made the decision to accept a job delivering a large luxury yacht, The Hazana, from Tahiti to San Diego where it would be received by its new owner. The couple had been less a few weeks into their trip when the catastrophic Hurricane Raymond hit, altering the course of their lives forever.

Some stand out moments are the incredible action scenes that were filmed directly out on the open water and also the flashback moments throughout the course of the film of Tami and Richard’s courtship leading up to this horrific event. Those intimate moments show just how deep and passionate their connection to each other was and the strength they gave each to one another. It also showcases the incredible chemistry between both actors.

Icelandic Director Baltasar Kormákur, who has directed films such as Everest, has put together a gripping high energy production that will have audiences on the edge of their seat in anticipation of what will happen next. Be sure to also look out for the surprise twist at the end which even if audiences have previously read the novel they will most likely not see coming.

Also, another reason Adrift is a much watch film is that it puts the focus on a female lead for once who doesn’t possess any magical superpowers, which is incredibly groundbreaking and falls in line perfectly in a time in which female empowerment is at an all-time high with the recent #MeToo Movement as well as many other female driven causes. Additionally, many of the cast members had some amazing stories as well from the set since the movie was filmed at least ninety percent directly on the water. Cast leads Sam and Shailene had to adjust to the choppy waters and deal with intense sea sickness as well as much of the crew and production team members.

Thankfully, it all worked out and they created a beautiful film that honors the life of Richard Sharp and tells Tami’s harrowing tale of loss and survival to perfection. Please go do yourself a favor and see this amazing film. You won’t regret it. Adrift opens June 1 in the U.S. and internationally June 29.