Drift

A deceptively simple tale with a lot to say, Drift lingers long, thanks largely to a mesmerising performance from Cynthia Erivo.

Captivatingly played by Cynthia Erivo, Jacqueline is in almost every frame of this small but haunting English-language debut by the Singaporean director Anthony Chen...

This portrait of lost souls connecting is unassuming, but quietly powerful.

Scripted by Susanne Farrell and Alexander Maksik from the latter's novel A Marker to Measure Drift, the film is directed with calm control — if a slight lack of stylistic verve — by Singaporean director Anthony Chen.

The film attempts to shock, but without the aspect of surprise.

The interesting angle into this film is that this is a refugee crisis film about a refugee who has a lot in common with most people, where you can't think of her as different from you.

This is a film that lives in the uncomfortable, recognizing that some people won’t ever be able to find happiness.

There's an important message about community being telegraphed here, but the story doesn't spare enough time for it to really land.

Not everything in Drift works. Chen’s narrow approach to the themes hinders it at times and the lack of plot tests your patience, but there is hope to be found in this gentle, caring film.

But it is mostly the gentle lapping of the sea that you hear more than dialogue in this deeply sensitive film, where a little too much is left unsaid.