True Spirit - A Netflix Movie Review

Stay positive and keep doing what you love.

True Spirit is a 2023 Netflix film. Based on the story of an Australian teenager, Jessica Watson, the 16-year-old is determined to set the record as the youngest person to sail solo nonstop globally. This journey proves to be more difficult than she anticipated.

True Spirit is an adventure recognizing the achievements of Jessica Watson. It’s one of those feel-good films that has an inspiring message. Based on actual events, the best theme of the film emulates that you mustn’t be afraid to display your genuine emotions during tough times. We have all endured hard times.

Jess has a passion. Her mission to sail is for the fun of it and not to boast. Teagan Craft was excellent. Her best work was portraying Jess’s emotional side. Caught up in sailing, Jess didn’t realize how much the loneliness would affect her. Briefly taken down by her emotions, Jess uses them as a helpful resource for her viewers.

The film splits between Jess’s story and her family. Since we’ve already seen films where we follow the protagonist on a journey, we need subplots. Honestly, if the film only focused on Jess, it would have been boring. Jess’s family adds excitement.

We get to know Jess’s family. Anna Paquin stars as Jess’s loyal mother. It’s been a while since I have seen Paquin in a movie. Ben (Cliff Curtis) is a wonderful mentor. More credits include Josh Lawson, Bridget Webb, Stacy Clauson, and Alyla Browne as young Jess. The family’s relationship was sweet to watch. With Jess gone, they keep in touch at every moment.

Hannah (Vivian Turner) gets the best character award. The film almost turns into hers since she gets so much time in the limelight. Hannah likes to make observations from the adult’s chatter. She was funny in her deliveries.

Jess’s story becomes popular in the media. Reporters want to know every detail surrounding Jess’s journey. They are nosy (which all reporters are), but the movie does something different. During the film’s most stressful scene, concerned, the reporters stop the cameras and wait in silence. It’s the first film to write reporters in a more honest light.

Filming on location in oceans, filmmakers delightfully gave viewers beautiful ocean cinematography and gorgeous sunsets. When it wasn’t, the green screen effects were noticeable. These effects ruined the perception of realism. I didn’t get a sense of the danger Jess endured during a storm.

One aspect of the story that shocked everyone was how Jess survived a storm. Showing how Jess survived didn’t need to be included. The effect looked unrealistic.

Since Jess is alone, she spends time recalling memories. There were too many flashback scenes. Based on Jess’s passion, we didn’t need scenes from when she was a kid.

Aside from these flaws, Sarah Spillane expressed a key message about mental health. It’s okay to express sadness. We’re not always okay. I have had moments where I couldn’t keep my emotions and needed a good cry. And you know what? I felt better. Let people in so they can help you. Nobody is going to think any less of you.

True Spirit is an inspiring movie. At some point in our lives, we’re going to be alone. Jess spends a long time in the ocean, especially at a young age. Being alone is a good thing to practice. You have to like yourself to go on a journey.

Check out True Spirit on Netflix. Get the whole family together. True Spirit is heartwarming and will make you want to go sailing after.