Some of my non-fly fishing buddies don’t quite understand the allure of “standing in freezing cold water and trying to catch trout you don’t eat.” Thus, it is no surprise that these friends would have little interest in a movie about such pursuits. However, it would not surprise me if Drift finds appeal among both “piscatorial minded romantics” and the less fish-loving (ichthyophilists) among us. Why? Sure, Drift is a movie about fly fishing. But, surprisingly, fish are not the primary characters in this flick. Instead, Drift is a movie about relationships, bonding…yes, people. After a predictable opening sequence (river footage), supported by a comforting musical score from Jon Swift (Run River), one of several “character vignettes” unfold. Ranging from philosophical thoughts of John Hazel (all that spey fishing can promise is the opportunity to “fish good water well“) to the banjo blues of Charlie Smith, each vignette teases the viewer with a glimpse into the personality of folks who deserve even deeper understanding.
For me, my passion for fly fishing seems to be a contradiction on several layers. I often yearn for the quiet beautiful places as well as the solitude and reflection time that fishing provides. On the other hand, fly fishing provides me with some of my most rewarding and enjoyable bonding experiences with family and friends. And, while fly fishing is not a competitive sport, it strikes me as supremely competitive albeit with the opposing teams represented by fish, weather, failing eyesight, cold hands, travel, and equipment failures.
Anyway, I recommend this movie and appreciate the one hour of escape that it provided me on a dreary East Coast, cold, Saturday afternoon. My only critique is that the film did not more fully explore the lead characters. That being said, it was easy for me to connect with this movie as it resurfaced my own memories of having fished several of the locations with good friends (Turneffe Island, the Green River, and the Frying Pan). After reviewing my 401K and IRA accounts and realizing that I may not be taking as many bonefish, permit, or tarpon trips in the coming year, it is good to know I can live vicariously though movies like Drift. It also encouraged me to reach out to a few buddies to set up some spring trout fishing itineraries.
In closing, here is a quote form the movie made by one of the Garbutt brothers (family of guides in Punta Gorda, Belize) as he recognized openly a strong bond and love for his brothers as well as realizing he has something special…”When my brother catches a permit, I catch a permit.”
John