Adrift (2018)

Plot Summary

Adrift tells the true story of Tami Oldham, a young woman who sets sail across the Pacific Ocean with her fiancé, British sailor Richard Sharp. What begins as a romantic adventure soon turns into a harrowing fight for survival when they sail directly into Hurricane Raymond, one of the most catastrophic storms in recorded history.

After the storm hits, Tami wakes up to find their sailboat in ruins, Richard badly injured, and no hope of immediate rescue. With limited supplies, no radio, and thousands of miles from land, Tami must summon all her strength, resilience, and sailing knowledge to save them both.

Told through a series of flashbacks, the film weaves between the blossoming love story of Tami and Richard, and Tami’s desperate struggle to survive alone on the open sea.

Performances

• Shailene Woodley delivers a raw and emotional performance, carrying the film with authenticity and strength.

• Sam Claflin is both charming and emotionally grounding in flashback sequences.

• Their on-screen chemistry brings deep emotional weight to the survival elements.

Style & Tone

• Visually stunning with sweeping ocean cinematography.

• Alternates between tranquil, romantic moments and tense, isolated survival scenes.

• The film gradually builds to a twist that recontextualizes the entire story.

Themes

• Love and loss

• Human endurance in the face of nature

• Self-reliance and survival

• Grief and memory

Recommended For

• Fans of survival dramas like The Impossible, All Is Lost, or 127 Hours

• Viewers looking for a balance between romance and intense adventure

• Those interested in true-story adaptations with emotional depth

Final Verdict

Adrift (2018) is a heart-wrenching and inspiring survival film, blending romance with real-life tragedy. Anchored by a powerful performance from Shailene Woodley, the film pays tribute to the strength of the human spirit and the power of love in the darkest moments. It’s a beautifully shot and emotionally stirring journey that lingers long after the credits roll.