From the off, Savage Waters is more than it appears. Finding inspiration in a random passage from a 19th century treasure hunter’s journal, renowned skipper Matt Knight, his partner Suzanne and professional big wave surfer Andrew Cotton set out to find and ride some of the biggest and most dangerous waves in the Atlantic Ocean.

Chronicling their journey and the obstacles they face along the way, director Mikey Corker frames proceedings as a big, exhilarating story of adventure on the high seas, but this eventually dovetails into a more intimate, personal story about overcoming adversity, a theme that even the most unadventurous of cinema-goers can latch onto.

The central narrative of the journey to the islands remains a constant throughout but this soon cedes into the background as the story takes on a more personal insight into its subjects. Injury and illness play into proceedings and rock the boat for all concerned, but Corker doesn’t let this upset the balance of the film, instead using these true-life tragedies to reaffirm the spirit of fortitude that pervades throughout the film.

The documentary is a surfing movie first and foremost though, and thanks to gorgeous camera work and cinematography, the visuals do much to elevate and sell the story. The camera gets right up close to the enormous waves at every opportunity – so close that viewers will feel their majestic power in a way is almost akin to being there. Playing over these magnificent shots are snippets of narration from the 19th century sea voyage that started Knight and Cotton on their mission, delivered with flair by Charles Dance, which contextualises the shots in an incredibly clever way.

Savage Waters is more than just a documentary about surfing – it’s a testament to the brilliance of the human spirit, a definitive example of endurance in times of adversity, and the simple joys of experiencing nature in even its most imposing forms!

Savage Waters is released in cinemas from 27 October