Young Woman and the Sea

Rating 7/10

The title Young Woman and the Sea ostensibly seeks to draw a comparison to Ernest Hemingway’s novella The Old Man and the Sea. I will admit both tackle similar themes of perseverance, pride, and the struggle against nature. Nevertheless, this 2024 biopic offers an entirely different narrative, resulting in its own enjoyable saga.

This is a biography of Gertrude Ederle, an American athlete who gained fame as the first woman to swim across the English Channel in 1926, setting a world record. Here, actress Daisy Ridley, best known for playing Rey in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, stars. Ridley is appealing in the role, radiating a tough but likable personality that makes us want to champion her through the difficult times ahead.

It’s your classic tale of a nobody who becomes somebody. Ederle’s endeavor is marked by various challenges. They start by simply convincing her parents of her desire to swim, a pursuit not typical for adolescent girls at this time. Much of the film focuses on overcoming expectations in a male-dominated sport. This theme is reiterated so often that it gets almost comedic in its ubiquity. The developments are alas depressingly predictable.  However the presentation is artfully executed and emotionally engaging. This uplifting journey is sure to ignite that same passion in the audience.

Ridley isn’t the only person who elevates the story. I could cite the entire cast, but I’ll note the most noteworthy. Gertrude’s sister Meg (Tilda Cobham-Hervey) is also a swimmer who holds a stirring bond with her sibling, which is a wholly satisfying connection. Actor Stephen Graham (TV’s Boardwalk Empire) emerges late in the account as Ederle’s trainer, Bill Burgess. He was the 2nd person to conquer the English Channel by crossing it. Burgess supervises her attempt in the same quest. Graham delivers a memorable performance. His portrayal adds depth, showcasing that some men do, in fact, have her best interests at heart. Gertrude’s father, Henry (Kim Bodnia), primarily comes across as a good guy, although he still clings to his 19th-century views. If there’s a villain in this piece, it would be her first male coach, Jabez Wolffe (Christopher Eccleston). According to this account, he sabotaged her earlier attempt out of jealousy.

Young Woman and the Sea is a throwback to the essence and charm of an earlier era. As such, it was initially slated for release on Disney+. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer persuaded the studio to take a chance on releasing it in theaters. Inspired by its screen-worthy appeal, to be sure, but the enthusiastic response from test audiences certainly must have played a part. This decision underscores the film’s quality and confidence in its storytelling and production values. Young Woman and the Sea intertwines an enchanting fable with cinematic flair, delivering a well-crafted screenplay that celebrates the human spirit. OK, I’ll make the pun: The movie effectively dives into history and makes a splash.

05-30-2024