The Fundy Film Society

All is Lost

All Is Lost

Writer-director J.C. Chandor follows his acclaimed debut feature Margin Call with this gripping survival thriller starring Hollywood legend Robert Redford (The Company You Keep). Alone at sea and alone on screen, with very little dialogue and in a physically demanding role, the 77-year-old icon gives a remarkable performance that not only encapsulates his six decades of screen stardom, but opens an exciting new chapter in his storied career.

Redford plays an unnamed man adrift on the Indian Ocean, his yacht badly damaged and taking on water. His navigational instruments destroyed, confronted with storms, solitude, and failing health, he must rely on his sailor’s ingenuity to both stay afloat and attempt to navigate his drifting vessel into a shipping lane. Clinging to the hope of rescue even as his chances of survival lessen with every passing hour, this veteran seaman must not only battle the elements, but confront his own mortality.

With his second film, Chandor confirms he is a talent to watch, brilliantly capturing both the terror and awe-inspiring splendour of the open sea and forgoing the rapid-fire dialogue of Margin Call to make a powerful use of ambient sound—the roar of the wind and crashing of the waves are startlingly vivid—that is complemented by Alex Ebert’s moving score. Anchored by Redford’s virtuoso performance, All is Lost is a powerfully visceral experience that demands to be seen on the big screen.

“A triumph of pure cinema and wonderful visual storytelling from Chandor, who must now be considered the real deal, while Redford is sublime in what could well be the performance of his career.” (Chris Hewitt, Empire)

“A virtually wordless film that speaks with grave eloquence and simplicity about the human condition. Nothing here feels fancy or extraneous, least of all Redford’s superb performance.” (Justin Chang, Variety)