Rip Tide

Rip Tide

Year: 2017

Runtime: 85 mins

Language: English

Director: Rhiannon Bannenberg

FamilyDrama

After a personal misstep in the fashion world, young American model Cora seeks a fresh start by moving to a picturesque Australian coastal town to live with her aunt. Seeking to escape the spotlight and reassess her future, she finds herself navigating a new environment and unexpected challenges while trying to redefine her path and rediscover her passions.

Rip Tide (2017) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the relentless glare of New York’s fashion scene, Cora Hamilton feels the weight of every runway step and every snapped photo, a world where ambition is measured in contracts and public perception. A sudden, very public stumble forces her to confront the fragility of that glittering façade and the expectations of her mother, Sofia, whose career‑driven vision for her daughter collides with Cora’s growing need for breath and perspective. The urgency of escape becomes both a literal and emotional flight, prompting a surprising invitation from a family she has not seen in years.

The promise of a quieter life arrives on the sun‑kissed shores of a small Australian coastal town, where the pace is dictated by tides rather than deadlines. Here Cora discovers a community that moves to the rhythm of waves and sunrise markets, a stark contrast to the city’s perpetual rush. Among the friendly faces she meets is Chika, a buoyant local who effortlessly blends optimism with a love for the ocean, and Tom, a patient surf instructor whose calm demeanor hints at deeper currents beneath his easy smile. Their presence offers Cora a tentative invitation to explore pursuits she has long set aside.

At the heart of this new world stands Margot, her aunt, whose warm welcome and unassuming home become a sanctuary for reflection. In the quiet corners of the family’s seaside cottage, Cora finds the space to consider creative avenues beyond modeling, with hints of old‑world craftsmanship and the promise of personal expression. Margot’s own history weaves into the town’s fabric, adding layers of subtle intrigue and emotional depth without dictating a clear path.

The film settles into a tone that balances wistful longing with the promise of renewal, letting the audience feel the tug between a high‑gloss past and an uncharted, salt‑laden future. As Cora sifts through the familiar and the foreign, the story invites curiosity about how a young woman might redefine herself when the sea, the community, and a newfound sense of agency converge.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 16:53

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Movies like Rip Tide: Coastal escapes for self-discovery

Stories of leaving urban pressure behind to find peace and purpose by the sea.If you enjoyed the gentle, sun-drenched journey in Rip Tide, you'll find similar stories here. These movies feature characters escaping high-pressure lives for the healing rhythms of coastal towns, where surfing, creative pursuits, and family bonds help them find a new path.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically begin with a personal or professional crisis that prompts a geographical move. The coastal setting acts as a character itself, offering solace and new challenges. The plot unfolds through the protagonist adapting to a slower pace of life, forming meaningful local connections, and ultimately discovering a more authentic version of themselves, often culminating in a hopeful, satisfying resolution.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their shared mood of hopeful relaxation and their thematic focus on escape and renewal. The combination of a picturesque seaside setting, a steady, character-driven pace, and a low-intensity plot creates a consistently soothing and uplifting viewing experience.

Gentle coming-of-age stories with found family like Rip Tide

Character-driven stories about young adults finding guidance and belonging outside their immediate family.Fans of Rip Tide's heartfelt aunt-niece relationship will appreciate these similar films. They explore gentle coming-of-age journeys where a supportive adult mentor helps a young protagonist navigate life changes, rediscover their passions, and build a new sense of home and family.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative centers on a protagonist, often in their late teens or early twenties, who is grappling with identity or a personal failure. They are placed in the care of or forge a bond with a relatable adult figure. The story unfolds through their shared experiences, conversations, and small challenges, leading to mutual healing, understanding, and a redefined sense of family that provides stability and encouragement.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a medium emotional weight and a straightforward, hopeful narrative. They are united by their focus on intergenerational bonding as a catalyst for growth, a heartwarming and soothing tone, and an avoidance of high-stakes conflict in favor of authentic, relatable character development.

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Rip Tide Summary

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Rip Tide Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Rip Tide

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Rip Tide

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