SummaryWhen Australian teenager Jessica Watson sets out to be the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world, she must overcome her greatest fear as she navigates the world’s most challenging stretches of ocean. Based on a true story. [Netflix]
Directed By:Sarah Spillane
Written By:Sarah Spillane, Rebecca Banner, Cathy Randall, Jessica Watson
True Spirit
Metascore
Mixed or Average
50
User score
Universal Acclaim
8.3
My Score
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Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
50
33% Positive
2 Reviews
2 Reviews
50% Mixed
3 Reviews
3 Reviews
17% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Feb 2, 2023
70
Directed by Australian filmmaker Sarah Spillane, the picture is appealingly breezy, though it does have its share of tense moments involving killer waves and charcoal-toned stormy skies. Mostly, it’s an anthem of teenage independence and daring, the story of one young woman who set her sights on a dream while still a child and willed it into reality just a few years later.
Feb 6, 2023
63
True Spirit doesn’t add anything fresh to the genre, just fresh faces and Aussie pluck, with even the tunes . . . pretty much on the nose. But that’s what “feel good” movies often are, comfort food, with the occasional surprise, a “darkest hour,” a little pathos and a lot of heart.
Feb 3, 2023
60
Give credit to Spillane for making sure that this movie isn’t just about the heartwarming highs, but about the hard work it took to reach them.
Feb 3, 2023
50
Watson's memoir and the 2010 documentary about her achievement, "210 Days," are altogether more thorough and nuanced looks at this story, though of course that's nearly always true of documentaries that tell the same story as works of fiction.
Feb 2, 2023
50
The message of manifesting your goals reigns supreme, which is great, but it’s worth mentioning that Watson’s willpower benefits from the privileges of financial security, family support and a curmudgeonly-turned-selfless coach.
Feb 3, 2023
20
The cast of True Spirit had no such chance: the schmaltz and mushiness overpower everything. The film’s daytime-soap vibes render an unquestionably inspiring true story into an experience that feels so false, so rinky-dink, I had to remind myself it was based on real life.
User score
Universal Acclaim
8.3
88% Positive
7 Ratings
7 Ratings
13% Mixed
1 Rating
1 Rating
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
Nov 15, 2025
8
True Spirit is a solid 8/10 for me. It’s not groundbreaking, but it tells a genuinely uplifting story in that classic Netflix way — polished, emotional, and easy to watch. Jessica Watson’s journey is interesting on its own, and the film does a good job showing the determination and fear that come with trying something that huge at such a young **** has all the familiar beats: supportive family moments, setbacks, big motivational scenes, and a clean, hopeful finish. Nothing surprising, but everything works well enough to keep you engaged. Overall, a feel-good, nicely made movie with a strong real-life story behind it.
Feb 5, 2023
6
(Mauro Lanari)
Average survival biopic: well, it's ok. And then? Why is the survivor's syndrome never told?
Production Company:
- Resonate Entertainment
- Martin Chase Productions
- Sunstar Entertainment
- The Rebel Fleet
Release Date:Feb 3, 2023
Duration:1 h 49 m
Rating:TV-PG
Awards
Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards
• 1 Nomination
Australian Screen Sound Guild
• 1 Nomination
