76 Days Adrift

Steven Callahan, the author of the New York Times bestseller Adrift: 76 Days Lost at Sea, recounts the night of February 4, 1982, when a catastrophic collision with a whale left his boat sinking in the dead of night. With the Atlantic Ocean surging into his vessel, Steven had only moments to grab what he could before launching himself into the dark, unforgiving sea in a life raft, clutching a basic emergency kit.

For an astonishing 76 days, that fragile inflatable raft became Steven’s entire world as he drifted helplessly across the vast expanse of the Atlantic. Forced to confront his deepest fears, limitations, and the raw power of nature, he discovered an inner strength he never knew he possessed.

Directed by Joe Wein and set to a haunting score by Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump, 76 Days Adrift is more than just a survival story – it’s a powerful meditation on human endurance, resilience, and the profound connection between man and nature.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

I think what drew me most to Steven Callahan’s story, and what I hope resonates with audiences, is the way he handled himself in such a dire situation. He focused on what he could do, on what he had rather than what he lacked. That mindset, that ability to stay resourceful and present, is what ultimately carried him through. This is a story about survival, but it’s also about isolation, ingenuity, and the strength we find within ourselves in moments of absolute despair.

One aspect of Steven’s journey that deeply touched me was his connection with the dorado. These fish became more than just a means of survival – they represented life in all its complexity. He loved them and lived off them, relying on their beauty and abundance to sustain him physically and emotionally. That connection, both tender and essential, speaks to the complicated relationship humans have with nature.

More than just gripping or thrilling, I hope the film invites people to reflect on how we navigate our own ‘adrift’ moments – whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical – and how we find meaning, connection, and strength in unexpected places.