A tenacious teenager sets off alone on a sailing voyage around the world that will test her like nothing else. Based on the incredible true story of Australian sailor Jessica Watson, True Spirit stars Teagan Croft and Academy Award winner Anna Paquin. Read more about the film’s cast below.

Teagan Croft

At 16, Jess is determined to set a world record for the youngest person to sail solo around the globe. Facing obstacles on her voyage, she shows courage and learns how to deal with loneliness and vulnerability. While fiercely independent, she also has a strong bond with her family and her mentor, Ben Bryant.

Australian actor Croft is known for her role as Rachel Roth/Raven in the superhero series Titans. She also appeared in the 2016 science fiction film The Osiris Child.

You can follow Croft on Instagram and Twitter.

Cliff Curtis

Jess’ mentor, Ben, is a seasoned sailor with a gruff temperament. He knows the dangers of the sea and wants to ensure Jess understands them as well. Committed to helping Jess achieve her dream, he sets high expectations and gives her no special treatment.

A New Zealand actor of Maori descent, Curtis recently voiced the character Tonowari in Avatar: The Way of Water. His other credits include Fear the Walking Dead, Whale Rider and Blow.

Anna Paquin

Jess’ mother, Julie, has always supported her daughter, admiring her tenacity and helping her work through her doubts. While she’s nervous about Jess being alone on the open ocean, she knows she could never stand in the way of her dreams.

Born in Canada and raised in New Zealand, Paquin won an Academy Award for her role in the 1993 drama The Piano. She’s also known for her role as Rogue in the X-Men movies and her appearance in Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-nominated film The Irishman.

You can follow Paquin on Instagram.

Josh Lawson

Jess’ father, Roger, tries to overcome his protective instinct and support his daughter’s adventurous spirit. As Jess embarks on her perilous sea journey, Roger must learn to trust her abilities and let her make her own decisions.

Lawson is an Australian actor who wrote and starred in the 2016 Oscar-nominated short film The Eleven O’Clock. He recently played the character Kano in the 2021 reboot of Mortal Kombat and is also known for his role in the comedy-drama series House of Lies.

Jessica Watson's Family Shows Their Support in This True Spirit ClipYou know the ocean. You know your boat.