The Blind Sea is an inspiring and thrilling exploration of how one man’s defiance in the face of adversity has led to a life of overcoming obstacles and preconceptions of what it is to live with a disability.

The ability of those who can push themselves beyond their perceived limitations is a remarkable thing. It is in the field of sports where such feats can be witnessed with awe-inspiring clarity, and when it comes to para-sports few are as impressive as Matt Formston.

Born with macular dystrophy (in which the retina is degenerated resulting in the loss of central vision), Formston nevertheless “threw himself into life” despite doctors advising his parents that his life was finished. The result of such productive defiance was not only a family of his own, but an Olympic gold medal for paracycling.

Never one to rest of his laurels, Formston next conquered para-surfing as a world champion. Yet such titles would not fulfil him, not when the big waves of Nazare, Portugal, were beckoning his restless spirit.

It is with this quest where The Blind Sea begins. Directed by Daniel Fenech, The Blind Sea is not only an exploration of a life untethered by a disability, but it also has the feel of a heist movie as Formston assembles an international crew to help find that perfect big wave.

The world of big wave surfing is one of dreams and nightmares that Fenech throws us headfirst into, with stunning photography by Chris Bland (Christmess) and excellent sound design projecting the energy, sound, and speed of an aqua colossus that can turn deadly at any given moment.

Formston, for his part, is as cool and confident a documentary subject there has been. There is an almost eerie focus from Formston on the colossal task at hand that is as impressive as it is intimidating, no doubt the result of a life lived with a motivation to prove his worth to an undermining world and the discipline to see those goals through.

It is an uncompromising vision that The Blind Sea captures with stunning clarity.