The Boys in the Boat

The Boys in the Boat glides through the water with nary a ripple. The latest directorial effort from George Clooney (The Ides of March, The Monuments Men) is based on the 2013 non-fiction book by Daniel James Brown. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, our true-life saga follows the journey of the University of Washington’s rowing team. The “boys” are a group of working-class individuals. Our story primarily focuses on Joe Rantz (Callum Turner), an impoverished fellow who joins his kindred sportsmen in their quest for gold. The narrative details the various obstacles they encounter along the way to the Berlin Olympics in 1936 under the guidance of their coach, Al Ulbrickson (Joel Edgerton).

An inherently gripping epic is smoothed down into conformity through an adaptation by Mark L. Smith (The Revenant, The Midnight Sky) under Clooney’s control, who also produced. Daniel James Brown’s biographical sports novel was a #1 bestseller that sold nearly 4 million copies. This humble eight-oar crew was never expected to defeat the elite East Coast competitors, let alone challenge the Germans at the Berlin Summer Games. However, they do, and every single potential hardship is readily conquered with effortless ease. Even the climatic Olympic showdown is strangely devoid of suspense. German Führer and Chancellor Adolf Hitler famously oversaw the developments high above the stands. He will make several pop-up appearances here in cutaway shots. His exaggerated, angry expressions would not be out of place in a parody detailing this piece of history. American track and field legend Jesse Owens also makes an obligatory cameo, reminding the boys that he has to prove himself, not to Hitler but to “the folks back home.” The squad nods in agreement.

This tale of triumph is comfort food. The movie is stridently traditional with a nod to pictures of the past. The best of its ilk (Chariots of Fire, A League Of Their Own, Miracle) is infinitely more nuanced and compelling than this. These films celebrate teamwork, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. Even that sentence sounds like a cliche. Yet these are values that everyone can champion. The predictability can be heartwarming, providing a sense of reassurance and stability. The feel-good factor is high. I’ll give it a pass because it’s a factual account of remarkable athletes. Like savory cuisine, it’s a tasty experience but not an especially nutritious one.

12-28-23