STX Entertainment | Release Date: June 1, 2018
6.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 91 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
42
Mixed:
41
Negative:
8
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7
benskylerhillJun 1, 2018
It’s difficult to watch Adrift and not see it as a combination of the primary aspects of other movies like All Is Lost, Into the Wild, etc. It’s a familiar formula, but this film benefits from strong performances and seamless storytellingIt’s difficult to watch Adrift and not see it as a combination of the primary aspects of other movies like All Is Lost, Into the Wild, etc. It’s a familiar formula, but this film benefits from strong performances and seamless storytelling methods; as a result, it turns out to be a surprisingly engaging, even thrilling, drama.

Without spoiling anything, Adrift makes use of nonlinear storytelling, frequently jumping back and forth between two timelines, and for the most part, it works. The vast majority of the transitions are acutely timed and serve to develop the characters and therefore boost the narrative. But there are some flashback scenes that feel out of place, almost as though they were shot simply to add a little variety while adding nothing to the story and detracting from the tone of desperation.

The dialogue is iffy, half of it being realistic and powerful and the other half being cheesy and unnecessary.

Another issue I had with this film was the soundtrack. It really doesn’t add anything to the film and some of the music feels out of place with the scenes it accompanies.

Shailene Woodley is really what gives Adrift the majority of its force. She gives this role everything that she has and it’s impossible to not feel the desperation and fear that she gives to the character of Tami. Sam Clafin also plays his character well, but his strength is less in the tense drama and more in the romantic scenes where his charisma serves to elevate them.

Adrift isn’t a movie you need to rush out to go see right now, but it’s certainly both charming and gripping enough to overshadow most of its flaws and make it worth a watch.

Story: 7.5
Acting: 8.5
Script: 6
Visuals/Sound: 6
Entertainment Value: 8

OVERALL SCORE: 7.2/10
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1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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8
judahjsnJun 1, 2018
Flawless and affecting movie. I loved it. Beautifully shot and acted. Very emotional.
0 of 7 users found this helpful07
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7
BradleyJordanJul 8, 2018
Once again I’m surprised that the reviews gave this movie such mixed reviews. The movie kept my interest and I’m glad I gave this movie a try. Nothing to rush out to see, unless you want to see it on the big screen, but an decent movie toOnce again I’m surprised that the reviews gave this movie such mixed reviews. The movie kept my interest and I’m glad I gave this movie a try. Nothing to rush out to see, unless you want to see it on the big screen, but an decent movie to check out. Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
msdhonoJun 2, 2018
Exciting,erotic,engaging film about love,adventure with a truly empowered female lead. The writing captures a nonlinear story that adds interest and intrigue as the story unfolds. You will cry and gasp but emerge from the theater enriched andExciting,erotic,engaging film about love,adventure with a truly empowered female lead. The writing captures a nonlinear story that adds interest and intrigue as the story unfolds. You will cry and gasp but emerge from the theater enriched and entertained. See it! Expand
0 of 6 users found this helpful06
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7
BrettSiebenhaarJun 7, 2018
I really wanted to like this movie. Everything was good except one major part, Shailene Woodley. Sam Claflin on the other hand is an amazing, but underrated actor. He was this movies saving grace, besides the spectacular special effects!I really wanted to like this movie. Everything was good except one major part, Shailene Woodley. Sam Claflin on the other hand is an amazing, but underrated actor. He was this movies saving grace, besides the spectacular special effects! Back to Shailene, is she easy on the eyes, yes, but that doesn't make you a great actress. It was hard to believe the story that she was attempting to portray. There were a few highlights to what she did, but for the most part, it was hard to take her seriously and just believe that she was surviving 41 days at sea. I never felt the real connection that Tami (Shailene) and Richard (Sam) shared. It was almost as if there was no chemistry between the two. Again, Sam Claflin was amazing in this movie, and like I said, the special effects. For those two reasons, I would recommend this movie, but you have been warned about Shailene Woodley... Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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10
SistajaiJun 1, 2018
Amazing! Loved the romance, the adventure, and the courage displayed by the strong female heroine. Definitely a must-see!!
0 of 5 users found this helpful05
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10
kelsieoJun 1, 2018
Such a wonderful story about love, fortitude, and resiliency. Our mind works in such beautiful and powerful ways and the Kandell brothers brought this to life!
0 of 5 users found this helpful05
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10
toestonoseJun 2, 2018
For this old salt, you put a sailboat in a movie with an attractive young woman and I'm hooked. A lovely romantic survival story, based on real occurrences makes this film worth seeing.
0 of 5 users found this helpful05
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7
DufreshestJun 26, 2018
Adrift: A Tear Jerker
A tear trickles down the right side of my face after two successful attempts barring any tears from spilling from my swelling eyes. I'm sitting in seat F5 in theater eight in AMC's Essex Green Dine-In Theater watching
Adrift: A Tear Jerker
A tear trickles down the right side of my face after two successful attempts barring any tears from spilling from my swelling eyes. I'm sitting in seat F5 in theater eight in AMC's Essex Green Dine-In Theater watching the credits of Adrift thinking that crying is alright in theaters with my justification being that the theater room may be the equivalent of a crying room. I have work in a few minutes so I contain myself though I talk of tearing - not crying - to my co-workers, friends, and guests as though Adrift deserves any more of my tears.

A film adaptation of a true story may be very compelling and impactful due to the audience having to relate to very real and possible concepts capable of being within their grasp - within their life. So, without knowing the full actual story, I find the retelling of the story in Adrift well done. Adrift doesn't dwell too long; each scene fulfills its purpose to bring the film full circle. No - not every story has to come full circle to be a complete-well-done story. If any special effects are in Adrift, I don't notice them - which draws me closer to the experiences occurring in the film concerning (at least) the idea of real coexisting entities. Plus, I have a strong appreciation for animations - CGI - done well, especially in conjunction with reality in visual storytelling forms.
I'm glad about not really knowing any of the actors prior to Adrift. What's interesting is as Shailene Woodley appears in the film, a part of me is finding a familiarity with her though - at the same time - after a bit of divulging - I come to find myself wanting to get to know her and Sam Claflin (respectfully as their characters Tami Oldham and Richard Sharp). The acting, directing, and use of the environment within each scene really creates a welcoming atmosphere which confirms the idea of untouchable romance - a love without disturbance even in the seemingly overwhelming and distracting imbalance of circumstances. Surprisingly, the attire of each of the acting members confirms a stronger sense of reality that the audience is not able to ignore.

Adrift really helps one feel - long to feel and experience more. What is so small to someone may be so impactful to another. I think Adrift doesn't even lure the audience; the audience is being taken on a journey immediately, from the beginning of the story through the ending of the credits. The story is touching and leaves one (at least me) thinking of the persistence and subtleness of love.

Nostalgic Moment: The Perfect Storm comes to mind after watching Adrift.

Overall Score: 7.325/10

- K.D.

If you're into Poetry and other bits of creativity, check out my Instagram: @Dufreshest.
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0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
heathlynnSep 26, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Love the plot twist. Caught me completely off guard. Such a loving sweet story! And this chic is a stud! Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
bwpedersonDec 21, 2018
Nice, sincere movie without bombastic sound effects and enhanced visual candy to carry an emotional story about the ordinary human spirit and the will to survive at all costs. I found this one hits harder emotionally than Cast Away with Tom Hanks.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
justwibiOct 24, 2018
not great survival movie or romance. both of them got 50% good for me. soo not bad.. i enjoyed it. at least entertaining
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Iamcritical86Jul 21, 2020
"Adrift" SHOULD be a staple in Shailene Woodley's career. The same can be said for Sam Claflin. Although love stories are really not my thing, I do have to tip my hat to the level of realism that comes across in this story of "true events"."Adrift" SHOULD be a staple in Shailene Woodley's career. The same can be said for Sam Claflin. Although love stories are really not my thing, I do have to tip my hat to the level of realism that comes across in this story of "true events". Although the film lagged and dragged a bit here and there, the convincing performances by the lead actors made it worth sticking around to watch to the end. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
KenRMar 7, 2022
Engaging from the very first frame this drama based on Tami Oldham Ashcraft’s real-life survival story places the viewer in some very challenging situations. With excellent special effects we are taken out to sea, then tested beyond theEngaging from the very first frame this drama based on Tami Oldham Ashcraft’s real-life survival story places the viewer in some very challenging situations. With excellent special effects we are taken out to sea, then tested beyond the expected limits of endurance - to survive the awesomeness posed by the cradle of life - the sea in all its splendor and ferocity. Shailene Woodley (also Co-producer) and Sam Claflin are marvelous as newly engaged lovers, employed to transport a luxury Yacht back to its destined port. What follows is a harrowing voyage, a challenge to arrive at any destination whatsoever, alive. Cinematography by multiple Award-winner Robert Richardson adds enormously. Water is a difficult element to work with and recreate but here, is near perfection. This better than average survival story, coupled with an honest, engagingly told approach, features a strikingly emotional revelation of the human spirit at its close. Highly recommended. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
talahhammoudNov 2, 2018
this movie is just like the book called we were liars living in a world of excitement and urge to keep going the punching you so low you cant but cry
in the best way possible
and the fact that its based on a true story triggers your mind to
this movie is just like the book called we were liars living in a world of excitement and urge to keep going the punching you so low you cant but cry
in the best way possible
and the fact that its based on a true story triggers your mind to think about how life can be unfair
solemn reminder of not all stories have a happy ending
cruel but genuinely amazing reality learned to always stitch to your companion and go together as one unit, completely inextricable
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0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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