'young woman and the sea' review

By Nadia Dalimonte

Daisy Ridley in Young Woman and the Sea

In August 1926, 20-year-old Olympic champion Trudy Ederle made history as the first woman to swim across the English Channel. Ederle swam from Calais, France to Kent, England in just over 14 hours. Not only did she set a world record, she also shattered the widespread doubt that a woman could ever be capable of achieving such a thing. Her awe-inspiring story is brought gracefully to the screen in Joachim Rønning’s film Young Woman and the Sea, a heartfelt gem anchored by a compelling Daisy Ridley performance. The screenwriters occasionally swim into the deep end of cliched, formulaic waters. However, the sheer determination of the story’s protagonist carries this film to shore. Young Woman and the Sea tells an extraordinary tale of refusing to accept “the way things are” and fighting to make everlasting change for a new generation.

The film is a refreshing entry into the ever-growing sub genre of sports dramas. The screenplay from Glenn Stout and Jeff Nathanson relies on a tried-and-true narrative formula that proves to work despite its shortcomings. The story charts Trudy’s legacy from her humble beginnings and formative teenage years, to her life-changing ambitions that would pave the way for future young female swimmers. Trudy’s passion started at a very young age. Growing up with her sister Meg (Tilda Cobham-Hervey) in a strict household run by their father Henry (Killing Eve’s Kim Bodnia), thankfully they had nurturing support from their mother Gertrude (Jeanette Hain). She wanted both of her daughters to learn how to swim, which was no easily acceptable feat in the early 1900s.

With training from her coach Charlotte (Sian Clifford), Trudy quickly became a force of nature in the water and already a world-record breaking champion in her teenage years. Trudy’s accomplishments eventually led her to the 1924 Olympics, where a few bronze medal wins in place of gold discouraged her from the sport altogether. She returned home and reluctantly settled into the more socially acceptable role as the butcher’s daughter, but her ambition never disappeared. A chance encounter with a group of young girls, who look up to her as a beacon of what’s possible, reignites the fire within her to keep pushing forward. Trudy seizes the opportunity not only to continue swimming professionally, but to swim the English Channel. Much to the chagrin of her father, who hesitates to believe in her aquatic skill, she embarks on a staggering journey of physical and mental strength.

Trudy’s perseverant spirit is wonderfully conveyed by Daisy Ridley, who continues to shine following her blockbuster breakout role as Rey in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015) and its subsequent celestial sequels. Ridley has gone the intriguing route of choosing more subdued fare including her career-best performance in Sometimes I Think About Dying (2023). Young Woman and the Sea adds a new layer to Ridley’s repertoire. She leads the story with incredible tenacity and charm, making the viewer feel emotionally invested every step of the way. Ridley brings enough intrigue to evoke some mystery as to why the English Channel in particular is so meaningful for her, along with a commitment to the level of physicality this role entails. The strenuous nature of Trudy's abilities are written across Ridley's face, especially in the character's final swim to the English shore, where an enthusiastic crowd of people await.

The film also touches on the various degrees of sexism Trudy is subjected to every step of the way. It’s emboldening to watch her continuously excel in her profession, prove doubters wrong, and challenge relentlessly patriarchal standards for a more equitable future in the sport and for women generally. Joachim Rønning’s straightforward, subdued direction gives ample room for the inspiring true story to stand out on its own accord. While not necessarily an inventive choice, Rønning brings a steady hand to the material. The film sheds an entertaining, heartfelt light on a special moment in history for those discovering Trudy's journey or walking in her footsteps.

​Young Woman and the Sea is now streaming on Disney+ Canada.