Ahead of the release of their new film ‘Adrift’, we sat down with lead actors Shailene Woodley (‘The Fault in Our Stars’, ‘Divergent’, ‘Big Little Lies’) and Sam Claflin (‘Me Before You’, ‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’, ‘Journey’s End’) to talk chemistry, challenges during the shoot, and the responsibility of playing real life figures.
‘Adrift’ tells the true story of a young couple who struggle to survive after their ship gets caught in one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history.
Shailene said that one of the elements that inspired the chemistry the actors shared was the fact that they were “stuck on a boat together for a very long time.”
She continued: “We made this movie in Fiji and I think that because we were so far removed from our personal realities and our families, we got the opportunity to get to know one another really well.
“When you naturally care for someone, and you naturally love someone and want to see them succeed in everything in their life, it only helps that chemistry on screen because it actually affects you when you’re watching someone you deeply admire go through something traumatic.”
Sam added: “Like when I see her cry, it moved me. It’s like when you see a loved one cry, you want to help. It felt real.”
As for the challenges they encountered shooting, the actors talked about the physical demand that the sailing entailed and keeping their balance walking on the boat. Injuries incurred during shooting included an infected foot and lost toenail but nothing too serious.
You can watch the interview below:
We also talked to the director of ‘Adrift’, Baltasar Kormákur, about making a romantic movie, how he knew Shailene and Sam were perfect for the roles, and his upcoming movie starring Hugh Jackman, ‘The Spy’.
