A real struggle for survival that isn't so captivating - by Moataz Al - 6/10

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Adrift is based on a true story and is set in the year 1983. It's directed by Baltasar Korma'kur, better known for directing "Everest", "2 Guns", and "A Little Trip to Heaven" among others. The movie is based on the harrowing experience of Tami Oldham (Shailene Woodley) and Richard Sharp (Sam Claflin), two experienced sailors, who are left stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, after sailing directly into hurricane Raymond on one of their voyages. The issue with movies about characters that are stranded at sea is that they are very familiar, and don't usually have anything new or substantial to offer. Unfortunately, this film does not break free from that problem. The well known elements like shortage of food and supplies, hallucinations and being stuck in a limited amount of locales for the majority of the feature are all present and explored in Adrift. But, what we can look forward to seeing in these movies, which might be new and captivating, is the range of emotions, will to survive, and strength of character to be shown on screen. Luckily for us, Shailene Woodley was able to give a terrific performance filled with many emotional and touching moments. She was easily the best part of the movie, and it was a joy to see her at work. However, the same thing can't be said about her co-star Sam Claflin or their relationship. This was very important for the success of a film that wants to show us the struggle of a couple adrift at sea. If the movie failed to make you care about this couple then you won't be as emotionally invested as it wants you to be. I think the reason for this is the way the movie was structured in addition to Sam's performance. It constantly goes back and forth to before the disaster had occurred and after. This, in my opinion, diffuses the survival scenes of any sort of tension and suspense. It doesn't help either, when you feel like Shailene is giving it her all and Sam doesn't care as much. Regardless, it's still a troubling and courageous tale that deserves to be told, seeing as how it's based on a real life struggle. It is refreshing and inspiring to see a strong, capable and independent woman in her arduous quest to survive, but the film didn't really do much to excite me or keep me entertained.

By Moataz Al Mousawi