Worth: $14.00
FilmInk rates movies out of $20 — the score indicates the amount we believe a ticket to the movie to be worth
Cast:
Adam Smith, Joanne Smith, Lauren-ann Smith, Sam Smith, Mackenzie Smith
Intro:
... there’s much to be inspired by – not just in terms of the visuals, but by the highly likeable and candid Smiths, who plot their own course, both literally and figuratively.
Meet the Smiths. This family of five (or rather six, counting scruffy little canine Casper), sail 1000 nautical miles to fulfil a dream, with Lauren-ann Smith and her hand-held camera documenting her family’s journey along the Great Barrier Reef.
She is the young adult daughter of Adam and Joanne, as well as the director and narrator of this documentary. Lauren-ann has two brothers – little brother Mackenzie and big brother Sam.
Sam is the emotional core of this film. He was diagnosed with autism as a child, doesn’t speak and is prone to outbursts. His parents found that sailing had a calming effect on him, and watching how the catamaran voyage changes him is interesting, while the family’s unconditional love, acceptance and patience towards Sam are genuinely moving.
Lady Musgrave Island, Mast Head Island, the Whitsundays – the scenery is breathtaking and it’s beautifully captured by Lauren-ann. Her narration is often poetic and philosophical, as she talks about making dreams happen and the beauty around her. She also often wonders what’s going on inside Sam’s head and how he perceives the world.
The Smiths explore islands and reefs and take us underwater. Against the Tide is great for armchair travellers but there are times when it feels like an extended home movie, and we only get glimpses of the people they meet along the way.
When Lauren-ann interviews her parents, there’s no small talk. Instead, they speak about the big stuff – about creating meaning in life. But there’s a lot of time spent on meals and fishing, and there’s the feeling that this could have been a stronger film with a ‘less is more’ approach. Yet there’s much to be inspired by – not just in terms of the visuals, but by the highly likeable and candid Smiths, who plot their own course, both literally and figuratively.
