Michael and I have been looking forward to seeing Adrift every since the first trailer, where Shailene Woodley meets Sam Claflin, they fall in love, decide to sail from Tahiti to San Diego together and end up in the middle of one of the worst hurricanes ever recorded. As the drama built slowly, Michael and I closed our eyes and clutched hands.
Unfortunately, the trailer is better than the movie.
Based on the real-life disaster tale of Tami Oldham and Richard Sharp, the movie opens with a woman (Tami) waking up in a boat, bruised and battered, after a storm. What? Why are we starting in the middle of the action? Where’s the tension? She’s screaming for Richard, who is apparently not on the boat any more but we don’t even know who the characters are yet so how are we supposed to care about them?
Plus, it’s not even exciting to wait for the storm because it’s already wreaked its havoc before the opening credits.
The movie then goes back in time to their first meeting, which is where it should have started.
The story is told in alternating past/present scenes and it’s disconcerting. Although I understand why they did that, it makes the movie as choppy as the seas.
Sam Claflin doesn’t really do much for me, and the dialogue is nothing deep. Shailene Woodley is great, though, as always, and is the only thing that prevents the movie from being a total wipeout.
The story itself is fascinating, and it made me want to read the book (originally titled Red Sky in Mourning) to learn more about the real Tami, who seems like a powerhouse.
I’ll be doing that this weekend, and I have a copy to give away to one lucky Midlife at the Oasis subscriber, as well.
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I subscribe. This movie looks really good.
I won’t waste my time on the movie and just read the book. Thanks. I am not a sailor and am very respectful, read terrified, of open seas!
Seeing movie this weekend
I think I’ll skip the movie…but I’d love to read this book! Thanks for the chance.
Just saw the movie today. Would love to read the book too! Thanks!
What did you think of the movie?
So scary!
Saw it last night. It was good but I didn’t like how it started right in the middle of their storm-ravaged journey! It did work in creating total anxiety as I nervously watched her survive! Tami is an amazing woman and kudos to her for even stepping one foot back on a boat! I would love to read the book!!
We saw the movie this weekend also. Lots of drifting going on. The movie wasn’t as good as I had hoped it would be. You on spot on with your review.
I can’t wait to read and see this movie!