Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

The Perfect Wave

The Perfect Wave is a 2014 biographical drama film directed by Bruce MacDonald in his feature directorial debut, chronicling the life of surfer McCormack, who suffered a after being stung multiple times by highly venomous while night diving off the coast of in 1982. The story follows McCormack, portrayed by , as a 24-year-old thrill-seeker traveling the world in pursuit of adventure and the ultimate surf wave, only to face paralysis, , and a profound of and that leads to his revival and . Filmed primarily in South Africa with additional locations in Mauritius and New Zealand, the movie emphasizes themes of , , and second chances, drawing from McCormack's real-life testimony of encountering during his ordeal and subsequently dedicating his life to as an ordained minister with the . Supporting Eastwood are as McCormack's mother, as his love interest Anabel, and Patrick Lyster as his father, with the screenplay written by Roger Hawkins and Billy Wood. The film premiered theatrically in the United States on July 11, 2014, with a runtime of 94 minutes, and received mixed reviews for its inspirational message but was noted for its heartfelt performances and scenic sequences.

Overview

Plot summary

The film follows Ian McCormack, a young and restless surfer in , who grows up in a divided by —his a devout Christian who encourages and belief in , while his father remains skeptical and dismissive of . Struggling with his own lack of direction after and a brief career in , Ian feels unfulfilled by everyday life and yearns for adventure, often mocking his mother's spirituality during tense discussions. Determined to chase the ultimate thrill, he sells his car to fund a global journey in search of "the perfect wave," embarking with his best friend Lachlan on a backpacking odyssey that takes them first to . Their travels intensify with stops in , including , where Ian's carefree lifestyle of perilous breaks, partying, and fleeting encounters leaves him increasingly hollow despite the excitement. Amid the adrenaline of massive waves and close calls—like narrowly escaping a in stormy seas—Ian meets Anabel, a free-spirited who shares his passion for , sparking a budding romance filled with intimate conversations under starry skies and shared surf sessions. However, jealousy and misunderstandings strain their bond when Anabel decides to continue alone to , leaving Ian heartbroken and more determined to find not just the perfect wave, but something deeper to fill the void in his life. Pressing on without Lachlan, who returns home, Ian arrives in , a surfer's paradise of lagoons and legendary swells, where he dives into night for to sustain himself. The turning point comes during a solitary night dive off Mauritius's coast, where Ian is stung multiple times by highly venomous , their tentacles delivering excruciating pain that rapidly paralyzes him and sends his body into shock. Local fishermen rush him to a , but after repeated cardiac arrests, he is pronounced clinically dead, his body cold and lifeless on a slab in the . In the film's vivid , Ian's plunges into profound darkness—a terrifying vision of , surrounded by demonic presences that amplify his regrets and isolation—before he instinctively cries out a desperate , invoking the he once rejected. A brilliant light pierces the void, drawing him through a to a radiant , where he encounters a divine figure resembling , who reviews his life with and offers a choice: remain in eternal peace or return to to share what he has witnessed. Choosing to return, Ian revives dramatically in the hospital, astonishing the medical staff who had given up on him; over the following days, as he recovers against all odds, a profound spiritual conversion takes hold, transforming his skepticism into unwavering faith. Back in New Zealand, Ian reconciles with his family, embracing his mother's beliefs and overcoming his father's doubts through heartfelt testimonies of his experience. The film portrays his newfound purpose as he begins sharing his story publicly, shifting from a life of transient waves to one anchored in spiritual conviction, with the emotional weight of the near-death visions lingering as a catalyst for redemption.

Cast

The cast of The Perfect Wave comprises a mix of established and emerging actors, forming an ensemble that brings to life the personal relationships central to the protagonist's story. leads the film in the titular role of Ian McCormack, marking a significant early performance in his career following smaller parts in films like (2012). portrays Ian's mother, Mrs. McCormack, drawing on her extensive experience from roles in projects such as . Patrick Lyster plays Ian's father, Mr. McCormack, contributing to the familial dynamics depicted in the narrative. Rachel Hendrix appears as Anabel, Ian's love interest, in one of her prominent screen roles after debuting in (2011). Diana Vickers makes her feature film debut as Kim, a in Ian's circle, transitioning from her background in music and television.
ActorRole
Scott EastwoodIan McCormack
Cheryl LaddMrs. McCormack
Patrick LysterMr. McCormack
Anabel
Scott MortensenLachlan (Ian's friend)
Nikolai MynhardtMichael McCormack
Kim
Matt BromleyMark (surfer)
Rosy HodgeRoxy
Shaun PayneFree Surfer
Jack HalloranYoung Ian
Mehboob BawaDoctor
This casting highlights Eastwood's rising profile, with sources noting his portrayal as a breakthrough that showcased his ability to carry a lead in a biographical drama.

Background

Real-life inspiration

Ian McCormack was born and raised in , where he developed a passion for at the age of 10. In 1980, at age 24, he left home to pursue a year of , seeking thrills through and . After working odd jobs in , he journeyed through and , eventually reaching in 1982 aboard a yacht. In April 1982, while night diving for lobster off the coast of , McCormack was stung multiple times by five , known for their highly toxic venom that can kill within minutes. He was rushed to a , where he was clinically dead for approximately 15 minutes before being revived by nurses. During this period, McCormack later recounted experiencing vivid visions of followed by , which profoundly impacted him and led to his immediate upon revival. Following his recovery, McCormack returned to , where he trained as a and founded several ministries dedicated to sharing his . In 2008, he authored the book A Glimpse of Eternity, which details his and its spiritual significance. He continues to engage in worldwide, emphasizing themes of and the . McCormack's account has emerged as a prominent in Christian communities, inspiring discussions and media within faith-based circles.

Development

The project for The Perfect Wave originated from director Bruce Macdonald's long-standing fascination with Ian McCormack's real-life testimony of a following a sting while in . Macdonald first encountered the story in his early twenties, but it was not until approximately 25 years later, inspired by faith-based films like Fireproof (2008), that he pursued adapting it into an inspirational biopic centered on themes of adventure, romance, and . Macdonald secured the adaptation rights directly from McCormack, who served as an associate producer and provided input on key elements such as the portrayal of his mother and pivotal spiritual scenes to ensure authenticity. The screenplay was co-written by Roger Hawkins and William A. Wood III (credited as Billy Wood), structuring the narrative around four core "pillars": the protagonist's passion for surfing and adventure, his mother's unconditional love, his first romance, and ultimately, divine love—aiming to blend high-stakes ocean sequences with profound faith elements for broad appeal. Multiple drafts refined this balance, incorporating artistic license while staying true to McCormack's testimony as detailed in his book A Glimpse of Eternity. As Macdonald's feature directorial debut, he assembled the creative team drawing on his background in international production across , the , and . Producers S. Bryan Hickox () and Craig Jones () joined, with David Selvan, to helm the low-budget independent project estimated at $4 million—positioned as a 94-minute theatrical feature for global distribution. Funding was sourced through a mix of South African investments, contributions tied to the story's origins, and financing facilitated by Rosalind de Aragues, enabling a co-production model involving crews from multiple nations. Pre-production faced hurdles in aligning the film's with potential distributors while maintaining its adventurous tone to attract secular audiences, alongside logistical planning for an international scope spanning , , , , and (for Bali sequences). McCormack's active collaboration helped navigate these, ensuring the script's spiritual core resonated without overshadowing the surfing drama.

Production

Casting

The casting for The Perfect Wave was overseen by South African casting director James Ryan and American casting director Melissa Skoff, who scouted local and international talent to identify actors embodying the and surfer archetype central to the story. Their efforts emphasized authenticity in physicality, accents, and surfing proficiency to ensure realistic portrayals without relying on stunt doubles. Key casting decisions included selecting for the lead role of Ian McCormack, chosen for his real-life experience, physical suitability, and emerging status as the son of , which added appeal amid the film's modest ambitions. Bruce Macdonald selected him after reviewing tapes, noting Eastwood's and ability to convey the character's adventurous spirit. For the maternal role of Mrs. McCormack, was cast following a phone discussion with Macdonald, drawn to her dramatic range in faith-based projects and her personal background as a born-again Christian, which aligned with the film's inspirational themes. Diana Vickers, a British known from , was brought on for the supporting role of , leveraging her music scene background for authenticity in the ensemble. The production faced challenges due to its $2.2 million budget, sourced through over two years, which necessitated a blend of established performers like Ladd and up-and-coming talents such as Eastwood to balance costs and marketability. auditions were conducted to verify accents and surfing skills, with Macdonald expressing initial nervousness about directing high-profile actors but focusing on to build rapport. To prepare, the actors received surfing lessons for on-screen realism, with Eastwood's prior experience allowing him to perform key sequences authentically. Additionally, spiritual preparation was incorporated, particularly for Eastwood, who collaborated closely with on scenes involving faith and near-death experiences to deepen character embodiment. Chemistry tests were prioritized to capture family dynamics effectively. Casting wrapped in , coinciding with the completion of financing and milestones ahead of .

Filming

for The Perfect Wave occurred across multiple international locations, including , , , , , and , with key sequences captured in for interiors and select ocean scenes. These choices allowed the production to represent the film's Mauritius and settings while leveraging funding and logistics for efficiency and safety. Real surfing spots in , particularly in and , were utilized to ensure authenticity in the water sequences. The underwater and night diving scenes, central to the jellyfish sting and , were filmed using controlled environments and practical effects to simulate the hazards without endangering the cast. Trevor Michael Brown oversaw the overall visuals, while water unit director of photography Wayne de Lange managed the challenging underwater work with a custom-housed Red Epic camera, addressing issues like overheating during extended shoots. The production emphasized real by the actors, such as and Rosy Hodge, avoiding stunt doubles to capture genuine performances, though this heightened safety concerns in rough conditions. Technical difficulties plagued the ocean filming, particularly underwater sequences, where equipment malfunctions required daily training swims and endurance from the crew to maintain continuity. Budget limitations, with the film raised at $2.2 million through , restricted visual effects for the visionary near-death elements to minimal practical approaches rather than extensive . Editor Tim Goodwin was involved in reviewing on set, facilitating a smooth transition to at Collective Dream Studios in , where the final runtime was set at 94 minutes. Composer provided temporary tracks during to guide the mood of and dramatic scenes.

Release

Theatrical release

The film began its theatrical rollout with a release in on February 3, 2014. This was followed by openings in on February 28, 2014, where Indigenous Film Distribution handled distribution, and in around the same period as part of an initial international push focused on regions tied to the story's surfing heritage. In the United States, a limited release occurred on July 11, 2014, managed by the distributor Mission Pictures Releasing, which prioritized screenings in evangelical circuits and select theaters. Distribution strategies emphasized partnerships with international entities to reach targeted audiences, including networks and communities, leveraging the film's inspirational narrative drawn from real-life surfer Ian McCormack's experiences. Marketing campaigns highlighted the adventure-faith fusion, with trailers openly showcasing the theme to draw interest from Christian viewers, alongside promotional collaborations with McCormack's ministry for events and outreach. Efforts included promotions and focused rather than broad campaigns, with posters prominently featuring lead actor in surfing scenes to appeal to both inspirational and action-oriented demographics. The rated the film for thematic elements, an extended scene of peril, some suggestive material, and brief language, positioning it as within the inspirational . Further limited releases expanded to markets such as the on March 20, 2014, and select other territories through 2015, building on the initial launches.

Home media

The film was released on DVD and Blu-ray in the United States on September 16, 2014, distributed by . The physical releases were priced at a suggested retail of $24.98 for DVD and $29.99 for Blu-ray. Special features on the Blu-ray and DVD editions included an interview with director Bruce MacDonald, the featurette "The Perfect Wave: It’s Not Just About Love," the "Perfect Wave" , the short featurette "Collide: Uphill Struggle Of A Downhill Skater," and behind-the-scenes footage covering production elements such as for the sequences. Digital download and video-on-demand options launched concurrently with the physical media on September 16, 2014, through platforms including . By 2015, the film expanded to additional digital outlets, including and Christian-focused streaming service Pure Flix, with international VOD availability on in markets such as and . As of November 2025, The Perfect Wave is available for free streaming with ads on , while digital rental and purchase options are offered on , Movies, and other platforms. It is not currently available on , Prime Video subscription streaming, or Pure Flix. No major re-releases or special editions beyond the initial versions have been issued, though the film continues steady distribution in faith-based media catalogs.

Reception

Critical reception

The Perfect Wave received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its inspirational Christian message but criticism for its clichéd storytelling and execution. On , the film holds a 39% approval rating based on 14 reviews, reflecting a divide between those who appreciated its faith-based elements and others who found it formulaic. Similarly, it earned an average user rating of 4.6 out of 10 on from over 1,300 votes, indicating lukewarm audience reception overall. Critics commended Scott Eastwood's charismatic performance as the lead surfer Ian McCormack, noting his in bringing energy to the character's quest for adventure. The surfing visuals were highlighted as a standout, with stunning sequences capturing the thrill of waves in and beyond, providing visual appeal that elevated the production. In , Justin Lowe praised the film's portrayal of the (NDE) as emotionally resonant, particularly for faith-oriented audiences seeking affirmation of spiritual transformation. On the negative side, reviews pointed to the film's predictability and heavy-handed integration of faith elements, which some felt overshadowed the narrative. The Post's Merry described it as "predictable," arguing that its overt Christian messaging came across as unsubtle and unlikely to sway skeptics despite the attractive imagery. Critiques also targeted pacing issues in the adventure sequences, which felt inert and uneven, alongside an underdeveloped romance subplot that failed to add depth to the characters. The echoed this, noting abundant messaging but scant plot and character development to support it. Thematically, the film explores redemption through personal crisis, intertwining the adrenaline of with a Christian of spiritual awakening following the protagonist's NDE. Reviewers appreciated how it blends high-stakes wave-riding with themes of and renewed purpose, drawing from McCormack's real-life . Some noted the cultural authenticity of the Kiwi surf scenes, grounding the story in New Zealand's coastal heritage while emphasizing forgiveness and as paths to fulfillment. The film garnered no major awards from mainstream ceremonies but received recognition at Christian film festivals, including second place for Best at the 2014 International Christian Film Festival and the Spirit of Faith Grand Prize at the Religion Today Film Festival.

Box office performance

The Perfect Wave had an estimated of $3–5 million, primarily funded by independent and faith-based investors. The film underperformed at the , earning a worldwide total of approximately $111,486, all from international markets. Its strongest theatrical performance came in , where it opened on February 28, 2014, to $32,005 and accumulated the full amount over its run. A limited U.S. theatrical release followed on July 11, 2014, with no reported earnings due to the film's niche distribution. The movie's modest earnings reflected its appeal to a specialized audience, with limited traction in broader markets amid the competitive 2014 summer season. Promotion focused on and faith communities rather than wide , contributing to restrained theatrical results. Home media releases, especially through Christian retailers, provided a key revenue boost, with estimated domestic DVD and Blu-ray sales reaching $1,065,558. As of 2025, it has seen no major re-releases or additional significant earnings.

References

  1. [1]
    The Perfect Wave (2014) - IMDb
    Rating 4.6/10 (1,342) When a surfer is pronounced dead after an accident, he's faced with a choice: remain in the eternal afterlife or return and share his experience with the ...
  2. [2]
    'The Perfect Wave': Film Review - The Hollywood Reporter
    Jul 12, 2014 · 'The Perfect Wave': Film Review. Scott Eastwood, Cheryl Ladd and Rachel Hendrix co-star in Bruce Macdonald's faith-based surfing drama.<|control11|><|separator|>
  3. [3]
    [PDF] “A Glimpse of Eternity” - The Ian McCormack Story - Cloudfront.net
    I suddenly realized what it was that had hit me. I know from my life-saving experience, I was a surf lifesaver, that certain jellyfish are incredibly poisonous.
  4. [4]
    The Perfect Wave - Rotten Tomatoes
    Rating 39% (14) Heartfelt performances with a limited depth, its a story based on true events of a surfer travelling the world, searching for his own souls peace, and of the ...
  5. [5]
    The Perfect Wave (2014) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    The Perfect Wave (2014) - Cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more.
  6. [6]
    [PDF] Ian Mc Cormack.indd - Cloudfront.net
    Ian McCormack was night diving off the island of Mauritius when he was stung multiple times by Box Jellyfish, which are among the most venomous creatures in ...
  7. [7]
  8. [8]
    The Perfect Wave | 365 Days Of Inspiring Media
    Sep 10, 2014 · Opening Theatrical Release Date: July 11th 2014. DVD Release Date: September 16th 2014. Reviewed by Joshua Andre. The Perfect Wave– Starring ...
  9. [9]
    The Perfect Wave - Dove.org
    This true-life story features a wonderful message about second chances. It clearly shows that God is a God of second chances.<|control11|><|separator|>
  10. [10]
    The Perfect Wave - Plugged In
    In The Perfect Wave, Clint Eastwood's son Scott is Ian McCormack, an aimless surfer who impulsively decides to travel the world's most exotic surf locations.
  11. [11]
    THE PERFECT WAVE - Movieguide | Movie Reviews for Families
    The story explores a young man going on a surfing trip for pleasure, then discovering God destined his journey to be a path guiding him back to God and the full ...
  12. [12]
    Ian McCormack
    Welcome to a Glimpse of Eternity. Ian was night diving off the island of Mauritius when he was stung by 5 Box Jellyfish, which are among the most venomous ...Contacts · FAQs · About Ian · Ian's Testimony
  13. [13]
    [PDF] The Perfect Wave - Indigenous Film Distribution
    Based on a true story, “The Perfect Wave” tells the journey of Ian McCormack's search for real life in a world full of shadows. It is a full-length, dramatic, ...
  14. [14]
    Ian McCormack - HeavenVisit.Net
    Ian McCormack. ​ In 1980 when I was 24 years old I set out on an adventure that would change my life. I had been born and raised in New Zealand.
  15. [15]
    Ian McCormack – In Search of the Perfect Wave - Real Life Stories
    The medical staff were shocked and amazed to see Ian alive, literally back from the dead! The fact that he awoke at all was an extraordinary miracle. That same ...
  16. [16]
    Ian McCormack: Sting of Death - CBN
    He was diving for lobster on the island of Mauritius (in the southwest Indian Ocean) one evening and was stung by five box jellyfish one of the most venomous ...Missing: surfer | Show results with:surfer
  17. [17]
    A Glimpse of Eternity Changed His Life Forever - Inspiration Ministries
    For Ian McCormack, it took a descent into hell, an encounter with divine love, and an escape from death itself. The transformation began in the dark depths ...
  18. [18]
    Ian McCormack, Bruce MacDonald, Jack Halloran, Rachel Hendrix ...
    Sep 18, 2014 · Here we talk about the directing process of the film, as well as what drives these people to show the love of Jesus Christ every day. And we ...Missing: inception | Show results with:inception
  19. [19]
  20. [20]
    Bruce Macdonald — Boomtown Productions
    His break-out film as a Feature Director, The Perfect Wave launched actor Scott Eastwood in his first leading role. The film released theatrically in South ...Missing: development inception
  21. [21]
    Riding The Perfect Wave | Screen Global Production
    Nov 5, 2013 · KFTV spoke to Macdonald about some of the challenges he faced when making the film, from shooting underwater to raising finance, which he ...Missing: actors | Show results with:actors
  22. [22]
    The Perfect Wave (2014) - Filming & production - IMDb
    Filming locations ; Bali, Indonesia · 4 ; London, England, UK · 3 ; Cape Town, South Africa · 5 ; Mauritius · 3 ; New Zealand · 1.Missing: co- | Show results with:co-
  23. [23]
    The Perfect Wave - Surfer Today
    Mar 6, 2013 · "The Perfect Wave" is a surf movie based on the true story of a 24-year old, New Zealander, Ian McCormack.Missing: development inception<|separator|>
  24. [24]
    The Perfect Wave (2014) - Release info - IMDb
    ... Perfect Wave (2014). Release info. The Perfect Wave. Jump to. Release date (6), Also known as (AKA) (16). Edit. Release date. Australia. February 3, 2014.
  25. [25]
    [PDF] BOX OFFICE REPORT: SOUTH AFRICA (January – December 2014)
    Feb 1, 2015 · Source: Ster Kinekor, Box Office Mojo. 1.5 Box Office Gross by Film Format ... The Perfect Wave. 28-Feb. 6. 37. Indigenous. SA. Drama/Romance. R 1 ...
  26. [26]
    Clint Eastwood's Son Starring in New Christian Film 'The Perfect Wave'
    Jun 25, 2014 · Scott Eastwood, the son of famed Hollywood actor and director Clint Eastwood, is set to star in a new Christian film "The Perfect Wave," set for a July 11 ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  27. [27]
    Why "The Perfect Wave" is a Life-Changing Movie — Christian ...
    Fury, Flags of Our Fathers, son of Clint Eastwood), ...Missing: process challenges training
  28. [28]
    Scott Eastwood Stars in the Uplifting Film About Second Chances ...
    Aug 4, 2014 · Based on true events, The Perfect Wave follows avid surfer and future ordained minister Ian McCormack on his travels to find the perfect wave.<|control11|><|separator|>
  29. [29]
    Parents guide - The Perfect Wave (2014) - IMDb
    Rated PG for thematic elements, an extended scene of peril, some suggestive material and brief language. Sex & Nudity. Add an item.Missing: marketing campaign
  30. [30]
    The Perfect Wave (2014) - Box Office and Financial Information
    Financial analysis of The Perfect Wave (2014) including production budget, domestic and international box office gross, DVD and Blu-ray sales reports.
  31. [31]
    Scott Eastwood Stars in the Uplifting Film About Second Chances ...
    Sep 10, 2014 · Based on true events, THE PERFECT WAVE follows avid surfer, and future ordained minister, Ian McCormack, on his travels to find the perfect wave ...Missing: breakout | Show results with:breakout
  32. [32]
    3 Unbelievable Love Stories Inspired by True Events - Pure Flix
    Mar 15, 2018 · “The Perfect Wave” is the true story of Ian McCormack who grew up surfing the waters of New Zealand. When Ian sets out on a journey with his ...
  33. [33]
    The Perfect Wave - Prime Video
    Rating 4.6/10 (1,343) An inspiring true story. When a surfer is pronounced dead after an accident, he's faced with a choice: remain in the eternal afterlife or return.
  34. [34]
    Watch Perfect Wave | Netflix
    A lifelong surfer from New Zealand sets out with his best friend on an epic, global quest for a perfect wave and has a life-changing experience.
  35. [35]
    20 Best Christian Movies For Teens & Families - Pure Flix
    Stream Now. Romantic Movies For Teens. The Perfect Wave. The Perfect Wave. Based on a true story, Ian and his best friend travel through Australia, Southeast ...
  36. [36]
    The Perfect Wave Streaming - Where to Watch Online - Moviefone
    'The Perfect Wave' is currently available to rent, purchase, or stream via subscription on YouTube, and Google Play Movies . 'The Perfect Wave' Release Dates.
  37. [37]
    The Perfect Wave Blu-ray
    A love story, with four key pillars, a young mans love for surfing, adventure, a mothers love for her son, a young man falling in love for the first time, Gods ...
  38. [38]
    'The Perfect Wave' movie review: Riding a killer wave to salvation
    Jul 10, 2014 · “The Perfect Wave” is nice to look at, and evangelical Christian moviegoers will no doubt appreciate a family-friendly movie with a message they ...
  39. [39]
    The Perfect Wave critic reviews - Metacritic
    The Perfect Wave is aimed at a certain audience that will appreciate its message and let slide its deficiencies. By Mary Houlihan FULL REVIEW. Jul 13, 2014.
  40. [40]
  41. [41]
    The Perfect Wave - Box Office Mojo
    ### Box Office Performance Data