YOUNG WOMAN AND THE SEA (DISNEY+) (2024)

SYNOPSIS: Daisy Ridley stars as the accomplished swimmer who was born to immigrant parents in New York City in 1905. Through the steadfast support of her older sister and supportive trainers, she overcame adversity and the animosity of a patriarchal society to rise through the ranks of the Olympic swimming team and complete the staggering achievement – a 21-mile trek from France to England. 

MOVIE REVIEW:

Young Woman and the Sea belongs to the category of old-fashioned sports cliched drama that Disney often churned out in the past. While indeed old school, it’s nevertheless an inspiring effort from director Joachim Rønning (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales), producer and star Daisy Ridley and Jerry Bruckheimer.

Based on the book “Young Woman and the Sea: How Trudy Ederle Conquered the English Channel and Inspired the World” by Glenn Stout and adapted to the screen by Jeff Nathanson (Catch Me If You Can), the drama tells the story of Trudy Ederle who famously made history as the first woman to swim across the English Channel in 1926.

Having nearly succumb to measles at a young age, Trudy manages to convince her mother, Gertrude (Jeanette Hain) and her German immigrant butcher father, Henry (Kim Bodnia) to allow her to take up swimming. Under the guidance of Charlotte Epstein (Sian Clifford), Trudy soon impresses everyone by winning local swimming competitions, breaking records and that including participating in the 1924 Paris Olympics.

However, the 19 year old isn’t resting on her laurels as she is committed to swim across the English Channel from France despite the dangers involved.

Family dynamics is largely the main theme here given Trudy is supported by her various family members throughout her arduous journey. Her mother, Gertrude is the first in the family to voice her support in learning swimming. Her elder sister, Meg (Tilda Cobham-Hervey), a more than competent swimmer herself jumps into the cold oceanic water to encourage the tired Trudy and her father who initially is against her idea accompanies her all the way on the English Channel swim as well.

Despite everyone knowing the ending, Rønning manages to keep things tight, rousing and authentic with obstacles littered throughout Ederle’s swim. The sabotage by a jealous coach, the dangerous jellyfishes and the dark, choppy ocean are just a few things to keep the movie going.

Daisy Ridley delivers an impressive performance as the determined Trudy Ederle. It’s a bit tricky consider Annette Bening just received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of swimmer Diana Nyad in Nyad. While both dramas featured a rather similar theme, there’s still a lot to like about Young Woman and the Sea with topics liked sexism and hurdles being tackled. Ridley for her part unquestionably channels the spirit and enthusiasm of Trudy.

Adding to the exceptional casting, Brit actors Stephen Graham stars as Bill Burgess, the second person to successfully complete a swim of the English Channel and Christopher Eccleston as long distance swimmer Jabez Wolffe.

Young Woman and the Sea is the perfect movie for the entire family. Despite being too predictable, the messages and themes are solid and uplifting. Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle deserves to be remembered for her outstanding achievement.

MOVIE RATING:

Review by Linus Tee