A film that has been compared a number of times to Gravity, there’s no denying that this is a similiar movie, but it also, in some ways, presents things in a way that almost positions it as the very opposite of that space-set thrill ride. There’s no backstory here, no characterisation developed as the events unfold. There’s also not much technology on display. It’s just a man in a boat. And, last but not least, this is firmly set in an area of vastness that is right here on Earth. Whereas Gravity took its leads into space to ensure that they were completely helpless and alone, writer-director J. C. Chandor uses the open sea as the unforgiving environment holding the main character captive.
There’s no messing about here, no prologue or backstory to wade through (no pun intended). The film begins with viewers just being placed alongside Robert Redford as he deals with some trouble at sea. And that’s it. For the duration of the movie we are stuck with that man in that body of water, with all of the problems that occur.
With praise due for both Chandor and his leading man, All Is Lost both benefits and also suffers from the lean approach to the material. It’s certainly worth arguing that, despite the impressive special effects on display and the structure of the film, everything that viewers need is conveyed by Redford as he tries to defiantly navigate increasingly choppy waters. It’s almost a silent performance, with the audio of the movie mostly consisting, unsurprisingly, of the sounds of the weather and the sea. Thankfully, Redford gives a fantastic performance, expressing everything in his eyes and the way he deals with each predicament.
This leaves me, as someone attempting to write a review of the movie, in a bit of a predicament. There’s not that much to say about it, and the fact that Chandor decides to give no context or background to Redford’s character is commendable, but after the end credits roll there’s still plenty left to think about. I’m not sure if the film was intended to be a bit of an experiment, or perhaps just an example of a purer experience, but the most interesting part of the process starts to occur offscreen, as viewers ponder just what happened to the main character to send him on this journey. Was he careless? Was he too cocky? Did he need to escape for a while?
Much like many other works of art, reactions to All Is Lost may reveal more about the spectator than the work itself. Which makes it a tougher movie to review, but one still worth recommending.
WRITER/DIRECTOR: J. C. CHANDOR
STARS: ROBERT REDFORD
RUNTIME: 106 MINS APPROX
COUNTRY: USA
Film Rating: 
