“Based on a true story” — a phrase that slips into our minds as if by magic. Somehow, true stories draw us in instantly. For those who want to be swept away by tales where lived experience and a sense of reality are intertwined, this week’s film at the Erbak Movie Reviews is Adrift.
To Travel the World…
Tami had set out to see the world. Her most recent job was working as a cook on a yacht, which had brought her all the way to Tahiti. Where she would go next was uncertain. First, she needed to save up some money. That’s why she found a job at the harbor, helping with the maintenance and repair of arriving boats. That was when her eyes caught sight of a boat — or rather, its captain. That’s how she met the love of her life, Richard Sharp.
The Right Person
She accepted Richard’s invitation for dinner. They talked non-stop, laughed, had fun — and after that, they began spending nearly every moment together. Richard was a free spirit, aiming to travel the world. He offered Tami the chance to sail around the world with him. They had only known each other for a few months, but their feelings could cross seas and oceans. Richard had traveled halfway around the world searching for someone like Tami — and he had finally found her. His heart told him that she was the one.
A Terrifying Storm…
Their plan to travel the world was postponed when they were offered a large sum of money to deliver a luxury yacht to California. The money would be enough to support them for at least a year. Tami was hesitant, but Richard managed to change her mind. They set sail within a few days. It was supposed to be an adventurous and profitable trip. And at first, it was — until they were caught in the middle of a horrific storm. Believing that everything would be alright, they held each other tightly. And then the storm hit…
She Had to Survive
When Tami came to, she was in pain. She kept whispering Richard’s name, but there was no sign of him. A few days later, she saw him — clinging to a raft, injured but alive. She rescued him. He was severely wounded but still breathing. Tami did everything she could to keep both him and herself alive. Deep down, she knew there was no hope — but she still felt she had to survive. They both had to. They had to make it.
She Decided to Let Go
Days turned into weeks. They had been stranded on the boat for 32 days. No one knew where they were. No one was looking for them. Richard’s injuries were getting worse. They were out of food. The water was almost gone. How could they possibly be saved? In the end, Tami decided to let Richard go. She blinked, took a deep breath — and he was gone. In truth, he had never made it. Tragically, during the storm, Richard had been thrown overboard, hit his head, and disappeared into the dark sea.
Stubborn to Her Core
Tami had kept him alive in her imagination. She didn’t want to feel alone — she needed to feel the presence of the man she loved so deeply. She needed that. He gave her the strength to go on — but now, she had to continue on her own. She couldn’t survive by clinging to a dream. From that moment forward, she was truly alone. And she kept fighting. Sometimes she lost hope. Sometimes she dove into the sea to catch fish to feed herself. But no matter what, she never gave up. She was stubborn with every fiber of her being.
She Didn’t Give Up…
And finally, she realized she was close to land. She fired her flare, and a ship began sailing toward her. It was almost unbelievable — but she had been saved. Skin and bones, her soul shattered, her heart aching — yet still, she was alive. There had to be meaning in her survival. She said goodbye to Richard and sailed away. She never gave up on the sea — not even for a single day.
This week at Erbak Movie Reviews, we’re inspired by the courageous story of Tami Oldham. For those who never give up defying fate…
Enjoy the film!