The world bids farewell to Robert Redford, who passed away on September 16 at the age of 89. As people reminisce about his remarkable filmography, they will likely revisit some of his timeless classics like “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “All the President’s Men,” and “The Natural” to honor his legacy. However, beyond these iconic hits lies a treasure trove of lesser-known films from the latter part of his career in the 21st century. One such standout is the 2013 survival film “All is Lost,” and as we remember Redford, this gem is a must-watch. 

“All is Lost” features a rare cinematic experience, primarily showcasing a single actor — Redford himself. He portrays a man stranded at sea, grappling with a damaged boat and equipment while fighting for survival against the elements. It’s a quintessential man-versus-nature narrative, with Redford mostly isolated throughout, delivering only 51 words in English dialogue. The film begins with a voiceover of Redford’s character reading a letter over 100 words, not counted in that total. Nevertheless, the minimal dialogue underscores Redford’s prowess. 

The film is a testament to Redford’s extraordinary talent as an actor. Known for portraying complex, flawed heroes, Redford continually challenged himself with unexpected roles. “All is Lost” is emblematic of that spirit, as Redford plays a character reliant solely on his strength and resourcefulness. His ability to convey deep emotions through expressions alone is remarkable, earning him a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival premiere of the film. 

“All is Lost” garnered some of the highest praise of Redford’s career, boasting a remarkable 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics universally lauded his powerful yet understated performance, as noted by Kimberly Jones of the Austin Chronicle, who commented, “Five minutes alone with him in ‘All Is Lost’ will make you feel like a chump for ever suspecting he was done for. The charisma never went away; it’s only aged into a very fine vintage, indeed.” 

Even well into his career — which increasingly included directing, producing, and founding the Sundance Film Festival — Redford proved he could hold his own among contemporary film stars. In 2016, he announced his plans to retire from acting. At 80 years old, he was ready to step away from the demands of shooting films, a decision that was entirely understandable. While “Our Souls at Night” and “The Old Man & the Gun” were meant to be his final roles, Redford couldn’t quite step away, appearing briefly in “Avengers: Endgame” as Alexander Pierce from “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” 

His last role was a subtle one, making an uncredited cameo in the AMC series “Dark Winds,” playing chess alongside George R.R. Martin, a project where he served as an executive producer. In his later years, Redford may have reduced his on-screen appearances, but he remained committed to realizing artistic projects that mattered to him. Just when you think you’ve chosen a favorite Redford performance, another one emerges to captivate your imagination.