Drift

Plot

In the 70s two brothers battle killer waves, conservative society and ruthless bikers to kick-start the modern surf industry.

Release Year: 2013

Rating: 5.6/10 (866 voted)

Director: Ben Nott

Storyline

In the 70s two brothers battle killer waves, conservative society and ruthless bikers to kick-start the modern surf industry.

Writers: ,

Taglines:
Two Brothers. One Dream. No Rules.

Details

Official Website:

Official site
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Official site [Japan]
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Release Date:

Filming Locations: Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia

Box Office Details

Budget: AUD 11,000,000

(estimated)

Did You Know?

Trivia:

The voice of the Surfing Commentator was provided by director Morgan O'Neill. See more »

User Review

Author:

Rating: 8/10


There's been plenty of surf films and documentaries over the years, and
if you're a surfer or surfing fan, no doubt you've seen them all. Drift
is the latest surf film paying tribute to and giving us a glimpse into
the Australian surf life when popular surf brands were just beginning.

Set in Western Australia in the early 1970's, Drift is the story of
surfer brothers Andy and Jimmy Kelly (Myles Pollard and Xavier Samuel).
Andy is dissatisfied with working long hours at the local mill, while
trying to keep younger brother Jimmy from a life of crime. With help
from their mother Kat (Robyn Malcolm), and childhood friend Gus (Aaron
Glenane), they start a surf shop in their backyard garage, making
custom-made wetsuits and new surfboards.

Along the way they meet and get inspiration from surfer
photographer/filmmaker JB (Sam Worthington) and his Hawaiian friend
Lani (Lesley-Ann Brandt). Their success and hard work comes at a price
though as they deal with members of the community who are not ready for
their innovative ideas and trouble from a violent bikie gang.

The acting is fine all round. Myles Pollard, who also co-produced the
film, is solid as the responsible older brother. Xavier Samuel, in one
of his best performances, brings charisma and energy to his role. Sam
Worthington is excellent. He is perfect as the free-spirited hippie. He
seemed to enjoy this role more than some of his recent work and it was
wonderful to see him in an Aussie film again.

The film does a great job of bringing the 70's back to life. You gotta
love JB's colourful bus and the classic kombi vans! The surfing
photography is exciting and breathtaking, and the cinematography by
Geoffrey Hall is simply beautiful. The soundtrack, a mix of 70's
classics and more recent tunes, really adds to the cool laid back vibe.

Directed by Ben Nott and Morgan O'Neill, Drift is well-paced and
there's a lovely balance between the surfing scenes and the dramas of
everyday life. I honestly would've loved to have seen a few more
surfing scenes. And even if you're not interested in surfing, this
honest Australian film will inspire and engage.

The cast and crew looked like they had fun making this film and it
shows. A snapshot into the Aussie surf life, it was a highly enjoyable
and upbeat movie experience.