Rip Tide

Every life reaches a crossroads where the direction ahead must be chosen. At eighteen, Cora faces that moment head on. An American fashion model, she leaves the glare of the runway and moves to a sunlit Australian coastal town to stay with her beloved aunt after a fashion misstep back home. Rip Tide follows her first tentative steps into a new place, a different rhythm of life, and a circle of people who see parts of her she is still learning to show. She navigates small town rhythms, the awkwardness of new friendships, and the tug of family loyalties that complicate her plans. As she weighs fame against belonging, she learns to make room for choices that feel true to who she is becoming.

Directed by Rhiannon Bannenberg, Rip Tide is an Australian family drama built from an idea by Georgia Harrison. Released in 2017, the film combines a bright coastal backdrop with intimate character moments featuring Debby Ryan, Naomi Sequeira and Danielle Carter.

Box office data for Rip Tide isn't widely reported. The production carried a budget of 3.4 million dollars and appears to have had a modest release with a limited global footprint.

Audience reaction sits in the middle with a 6.1 average from 457 votes. Critics note the film's quiet confidence and its focus on identity, belonging, and the pressure to conform to a glamorous image. The story threads coming of age with family ties and the pull of place, showing how a young woman negotiates fame and personal values. Themes include personal growth, resilience, and the idea that the most important direction is the one chosen for yourself, not the one handed down by others.

Rip Tide may not have sparked a cultural wildfire, but it has a gentle afterglow for viewers who enjoy coastal settings and character driven drama. Debby Ryan anchors the film with warmth and sincerity, while the Australian shore setting gives the story a tangible sense of place that can linger with audiences long after the credits roll.