Directed by Joachim Rønning, this 2024 film opens a portal to the life of the legendary Gertrude Ederle, played by Daisy Ridley. Gertrude made waves (literally) as the first woman to swim across the English Channel. This movie captures her journey and determination, as well as her participation in the 1924 Paris Olympics.
The film takes us back to a time when women weren’t just swimming against the current; they were making history in a sport that was very much a boys’ club. While the film beautifully captures this monumental achievement, it sometimes feels like it is trying a bit too hard to swim with the feminist current. Yes, it features a strong female cast, but the men often feel like they’re relegated to the roles of grumpy extras.
Source: The Independent
Now, let’s talk about the visual feast that is Young Woman and the Sea. Shot by Óscar Faura—known for his work in The Impossible and A Monster Calls —the film is a treat for the eyes. Faura’s ability to blend warm yet pale colors creates a nostalgic atmosphere, reminiscent of classic sports dramas like Chariots of Fire. Each frame transports you back to the roaring twenties, with gorgeous costumes that make you wonder if you should dust off your flapper dress and crash a Gatsby-themed party in town.
However, while the visuals may take you on a delightful journey, the script occasionally took a detour. Based on Glenn Stout’s book of the same name, the film takes several liberties with historical accuracy that may leave some viewers feeling like they’ve just swum a lap without taking a breath. For example, it paints Trudy’s experience at the Paris Olympics in a rather disheartening light—one that contrasts starkly with the reality of her winning a bronze medal and a gold in her debut, and having a hero’s welcome on her return to the States.
Source: Los Angeles Times
Then there’s the issue of pacing. The time between Trudy’s first failed attempt and her eventual success is practically non-existent in the film. She runs off on the big secret mission, tricking her sponsors and journalists. In reality, over a year passed between those monumental swims, filled with training and preparation that is almost entirely glossed over. Instead, the film says she bounced back from poisoning faster than a rubber ducky in a bathtub. Don’t be fooled by misleading scenes like this, and no, don’t go out and try to swim across any lake, sea or channel without zero prep time. Trudy even beats up some jellyfish during her successful swim. Hyper realistic, right?
And how about the cast, do they do justice to the story? The short answer is: yes. Daisy Ridley stars as Gertrude, or “Trudy” to her friends, and she does so with all the earnestness of someone who might have actually been born in a swimsuit. Ridley’s performance is buoyed by a fantastic supporting cast, including Sheen Clay Ford as Trudy’s determined coach. Janet Hayne plays Gertrude’s fierce mother, who is a strong, no-nonsense spirit from Germany. Stephen Graham plays the first British man to swim the Channel – to then frequently visit the bottom of beer cans. Oh, and let’s not forget Kim Bodnia, who brings his talents from the beloved Killing Eve to play Trudy’s father, a man who seems far more interested in marrying off his daughters to butchers than supporting their dreams. Let’s just say, you won’t see this father on any lists of best movie dads anytime soon!
In conclusion, Young Woman and the Sea is a visually stunning tribute that could benefit from a bit more accuracy and depth in its storytelling. While it has its flaws—think of it as the costume equivalent of a wedgie—there’s still much to appreciate in this celebration of female empowerment and sporting triumph.
Young Woman and the Sea is now streaming on Disney+.
~ by Dora Endre ~
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