Review of All Is Lost (2013) by Kenr — 03 Apr 2022

Robert Redford stars as the sailor known as ‘our man’, we’re introduced to him yachting solo at sea, and what a sea! This journey doesn’t offer us as much to emotionally connect with as did ‘Adrift’ and ‘The Mercy’ for here, we know nothing about ‘our man's' background - apart from an apologetic letter we witness him write (to what sounds like a family) I’m constantly in awe of the sea and understand the need to respect it but have little love of it.

..for long distance sailing that is. So why do some people pit themselves against a virtually unbeatable force? Many who take on the cradle of life, as a challenge to survive, end up losing their life.

With little opportunity for dialogue, actions and reactions say it all – this makes the Cinematography most important and both the highly talented Frank G. De Marco (above water) and Peter Zuccarini (underwater – who just the year before scored with the dazzling; Life Of PI ‘12) - never let us down.

A most effective music score by Alex Ebert adds the perfect pensive touch. Writer/Director J.C.Chandor, aided by excellent special effects, takes us out to sea and leaves us feeling like we may never find land again.

‘All is Lost’, in its own modest way, joins the great sea dramas in cinema history, and the DVD release is perfect.