[5] In 2009, 16-year-old Jessica Watson dreams of becoming the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe non-stop and unassisted, which means she must sail alone and not dock at any port along the way.

She has a heated argument with Ben and cruelly reminds him that, while competing in the New Zealand Millennium Cup, one of his crew members died under his command.

Jessica's mother encourages her frustrated daughter to lift her spirits by singing David Bowie's "Starman" while looking at the brightest star in the sky.

Netflix announced on 16 July 2020 that Watson's memoir True Spirit would be adapted into a feature film, directed by Sarah Spillane.

[14] Simon Foster of Screen-Space rating the film 4 out of 5, praised the director Sarah Spillane and lead actress Teagan Croft writing, "[they] have pulled off the adventurer’s story with all its bewildering reality and existential joy intact."

Concluding, Foster wrote, "The production not only deeply respects [Watson's] seafaring accomplishments, but also the legacy it has afforded her name.

"[15] Nicolas Rapold of The New York Times wrote, "The message of manifesting your goals reigns supreme, which is great, but it’s worth mentioning that Watson’s willpower benefits from the privileges of financial security, family support and a curmudgeonly-turned-selfless coach.

"[16] Reviewing for The Sydney Morning Herald, Paul Byrnes rated 3 out of 5 and wrote "This is a family-friendly picture, wholesome and tailored for the American market -- although I suspect that director Sarah Spillane also shaped it to inspire teenage girls, in particular.

"[17] Julian Roman ratings 3 out of 5, wrote in Movie Web, "True Spirit reminds that achieving the pinnacle of success takes every drop of courage."

"[18] Russ Simmons broadcasting on KKFI-FM (Kansas City) on his show 'Freeze Frame' rated the film 3 out of 5 and stated, "While it’s conventional to a fault, True Spirit is a respectable, family-friendly adventure.

Concluding Zacharek wrote, "True Spirit makes freedom on the high seas look like fun, a far cry from staring at a screen in your bedroom, waiting for your life to begin.