ADRIFT

A true story of survival, as a young couple’s chance encounter leads them first to love, and then on the adventure of a lifetime as they face one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history.
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The fact that this is a true story makes it more compelling. Unfortunately, the flashback structure, some cheesy dialogue, and the slow pace at times detract from the suspense. But Shailene Woodley, who plays the real-life Tami Oldham, is excellent and carries the story with her gripping, gut-wrenching scenes. It’s possibly her best performance so far in anything I’ve seen her in. The action sequences during the hurricane are exceptional but lose a great deal of their power because of the constant pulling away to a flashback. The cinematography is very well done with some beautiful shots of land- and seascapes. Not a great movie but one worth watching just to see another true-life story of the way in which ordinary people survive incredible odds.