Sarah Spillane’s biopic film, True Spirit on Netflix, recounts the story of young Australian sailor Jessica Watson, portrayed by Teagan Croft. She became the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe solo and unassisted in 2010. She surmounted incredible odds against her and the many people who didn’t believe she could achieve her goal.
In her review for Ready Steady Cut, Nicole Ackman noted:
True Spirit, though based on a compelling story, doesn’t fully live up to its potential. The CGI is shoddy in places and the overall tone and film-making are somewhat Disney Channel-esque. It definitely seems meant to appeal to younger audiences, despite the somewhat intimidating storm sequences. However, for the family audiences, it’s an engaging and inspirational film. Not only does it show Jess Watson prevailing above all those who doubted her to achieve her goals, but it also touches on her additional challenge of being dyslexic. It’s the sort of film that encourages young women, in particular, to go after their dreams – and those are always worth seeing.
True Spirit Ending Explained
With a film based on the story of a true person, it’s possible that audience members may already know the ending before the film even starts. Considering that Jessica Watson is known for being the youngest person to complete circumnavigating the globe, the ending of the film is clear, and yet director Sarah Spillane manages to build tension as Jess comes to the end of her voyage.
Does Jess survive the storm?
Jess only has one cape left on her voyage when she sees that a bad storm is coming, worse than any of the others that she has faced. While on a phone call, her family urges her to seek shelter in the nearest port, but that would mean giving up the record that is just within her grasp. But Jess thinks of all the people across the world waiting to see if she completes her mission and decides to weather the storm.
She realizes that her best chances are of moving in the same direction as the storm. Her worried parents and ever-supportive siblings support the idea, and Jess uses every instruction she received earlier in her training to ensure her safety. Earlier in the film, she was rebuked by her instructor Ben for not having her collision alarms on and not strapping into the boat for safety, so she ensures to do both.
The ocean is rough and violent, rocking the small boat Pink around. At one point, a large wave capsizes the boat and it seems that all might be over for Jess. Her family even receives the alert that the boat is underwater. However Pink arises again and Jess survives.
Does Jess complete her voyage?
The following day, Jess is able to get in touch with her family and let them know that she survived. She stands and marvels at the sea and the fact that she survived. The rest of her voyage back home to Sydney, Australia goes smoothly. Her mood is also considerably lifted knowing that her loneliness is almost at an end and she will soon be reunited with her siblings and she is on track to beat the previous record.
What kind of reception does Jess receive back home?
When Jess arrives back at the harbor, 80,000 people are waiting to cheer her on as she comes into port. Journalists and spectators celebrate while she has a tearful reunion with her parents and siblings. The Prime Minister introduces her at a press conference, calling her a hero, but she refutes it, stating that she’s just a girl who believed in her dreams. The film then concludes by showing footage of the real Jessica Watson’s homecoming and video logs from her time on the ship. It’s an amazing reminder that as impressive as the events of the film seem, they are based on an actual teenage girl’s achievement.
What did you think of the ending of the Netflix film True Spirit? Comment below.
Very awesome, inspirational
I WAS VERY TOUCHED BY THIS MOVIE THERE NEEDS TO BE MORE MOVIES LIKE THIS THE DEDICATED FAMILY THE CONTSTANT CONTACT WITH THE FAMILY FOR SUPPORT AND LOVE. GOD WAS WITH HER I WATCHED THE BOAT SUBMERGE AND IT DIDN’T GO DOWN MORE THAN 15 FT AND ROSE WOW. HER FAITH AND DREAM TOOK HER FAR. I WULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE OF HER AND HER LIFE NOW. HER TOWN WAS BEHIND HER AND SUPPORTED HER EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
Liked the movie, and happy the real life jessica made it home, but the way the boat is shown capsized and sinking (in the movie) looks like there is no way that boat would have resurfaced, I actually thought that was the end. Then the last 20 mins would be a ulegy to jessica, maybe a real sailboat could survive, but I have serious doubts!
Can anyone explain how the boat could go underwater and then com back up a technical explanation please or was this just a Hollywood idea
God is good. Jess is obviously very brave and determined to achieve her goals.
Congratulations and God bless you always.
Pls make a content about when she went under the water then came back up