Watch Staying Afloat
- 1993
- 1 hr 30 min
-
5.7 (57)
Staying Afloat is a 1993 film that tells the story of Buddy (Gregg Henry), a man who struggles to keep his family's boat afloat. The boat is his home and his livelihood, but it is in desperate need of repair. Trying to save his boat from sinking, he convinces his younger brother, Skeets (Steven Eckholdt), to join him in a get-rich-quick scheme.
Their scheme involves smuggling illegal immigrants into the United States. Buddy sees it as their only option to make enough money to save the boat. Skeets is hesitant at first, but he eventually agrees to help his brother.
Their first attempt to smuggle immigrants is a success, but things quickly take a turn for the worse when they pick up a group of dangerous drug dealers. The situation becomes increasingly dangerous, and they find themselves in over their heads.
As they struggle to keep their illegal activity a secret, a suspicious Coast Guard officer (Larry Hagman) starts investigating them. He has a personal interest in the brothers' illegal activity, and he is determined to bring them to justice.
Meanwhile, Buddy's wife (Kathleen Wilhoite) begins to suspect that something is not right. She becomes increasingly worried about Buddy and Skeets' safety, and she tries to convince them to stop what they are doing.
The tension in the film builds as the brothers face mounting pressure from all sides. Their illegal activity becomes riskier and more dangerous, and they are constantly on edge, worrying about getting caught.
Despite the constant danger, Buddy and Skeets continue their smuggling operation, clinging to the hope that they can save their boat and their way of life. However, they soon realize that they may have gotten in too deep, and the consequences may be more than they can handle.
Staying Afloat is a powerful drama that explores the lengths people will go to in order to save what is important to them. It is a story of family, love, and survival in the face of adversity. The film features strong performances from its cast, particularly Gregg Henry, who delivers a compelling performance as Buddy. Larry Hagman also shines as the determined Coast Guard officer who is relentless in his pursuit of justice.
Overall, Staying Afloat is a gripping drama that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. It is a story of resilience, determination, and the unwavering human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.