Chasing Mavericks
2012 · Directed by Michael Apted, Curtis Hanson
Original language: English
- drama
The story
Surfer Jay Moriarity sets out to ride the Northern California break known as Mavericks.
What it’s like
Sun-bleached Northern California light and wide, churning ocean vistas give this one a clean, outdoorsy look, with grey-green swells that turn to thunder when the big waves arrive. Its vibe is earnest and sun-warmed, a sports drama with a gentle heartbeat, well suited to a lazy weekend afternoon, a comfort watch on the couch, or a cosy evening when you want something uplifting. The pacing is steady and conventional, built around training montages, beach-town scenes and the hushed anticipation before each big ride, with a score that swells with optimism. Its people's arcs follow a restless young surfer who slowly learns discipline from a weathered, tough-talking mentor, and the mood is more hopeful than tense. Intensity is low: there is peril in the water and a few sharp moments of wipeouts and injury, but no gore, no sexual content, and little cruelty. It is for people who enjoy inspirational sports stories, ocean spectacle and mentor-and-student relationships, especially those who want something heartening rather than gritty.
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