Review of All Is Lost (2013) by Martin I — 12 Jul 2014
A perfect companion piece to Gravity, this is a stunning, thriller. The cast consists of Robert Redford... that's it. Redford's script consists of one brief yell, one f-bomb; and a SOS voiceover. But you will be gripped, you'll feel sick and ultimately tearful.
It is utterly absorbing to watch the pragmatism with which Redford reacts to his situation. Chandor is fascinated by the minutiae of the yachtsman's attempt to survive. What he can eat, his painstaking efforts to collect water, his botched fishing. Redford is as precise as he can be, as the tiniest mistake will seal his fate.
There are elements of an action movie or even a horror. The juddering storm sequences in which the yacht is turned upside down are astounding. Ultimately your connection is due to Redford's performance. He is credible, subtle and very moving.
This is far more than simply a nautical yarn about human endurance. It is one of the movies of the 21st century so far. Redford should retire now and go out on such a high.
This review of All Is Lost (2013) was written by Martin I on 12 Jul 2014.
All Is Lost has generally received positive reviews.
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