Adrift is a 2018 survival drama film directed by Baltasar Kormákur, based on the true story recounted in Tami Oldham Ashcraft's memoir Red Sky in Mourning: A True Story of Love, Loss, and Survival at Sea. The film stars Shailene Woodley as Tami Oldham and Sam Claflin as Richard Sharp, portraying a couple who embark on a sailing adventure that turns into a harrowing struggle for survival after encountering one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history.
The narrative begins with Tami and Richard, who meet in Tahiti and quickly fall in love. They are hired to deliver a 44-foot yacht named Hazaña from Tahiti to San Diego. However, during their journey, they sail directly into Hurricane Raymond, which severely damages their boat and leaves Richard injured. After the storm, Tami awakens to find herself alone at sea, with Richard having been swept overboard. The film follows her desperate efforts to survive, repair the damaged yacht, and navigate the vast Pacific Ocean while battling physical and emotional challenges.
Released on June 1, 2018, Adrift received mixed reviews from critics. It holds a 69% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 202 reviews, with an average rating of 6.1/10. Critics praised Woodley's performance and the film's cinematography but noted that the narrative felt familiar and predictable. On Metacritic, it has a score of 56 out of 100, indicating mixed or average reviews. Despite these critiques, audiences responded positively, giving it an average grade of "B" according to CinemaScore.
The film's visual storytelling is enhanced by Robert Richardson's cinematography, which captures both the beauty and terror of the ocean. Critics have compared Adrift to other survival films like All Is Lost, highlighting its emotional depth and character-driven narrative. Ultimately, Adrift is not just a tale of survival but also a poignant love story that emphasizes resilience and the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.
With a budget of $35 million, Adrift grossed approximately $59.9 million worldwide, making it a modest success at the box office. It stands out as an engaging exploration of love and survival against the backdrop of nature's fury.