The extraordinary yet little known true story of Trudy Ederle, the first woman to successfully swim the English Channel, is brought to life in “Young Woman and the Sea,” from director Joachim Rønning. Ederle’s story is one that deserves to be told, and although it’s admittedly not the most interesting, it certainly is inspiring. The film is streaming exclusively on Disney+ just in time for the kickoff of the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Starring Daisy Ridley as Trudy, the movie tells the story of a young girl who overcame adversity after a near-death experience when she had a case of the measles in 1914. Told she could never go in the water or she would go deaf, Trudy became more determined than ever to realize her dream of being an accomplished swimmer. Being told she couldn’t do it didn’t defeat her spirit, of course, because that’s what this movie is about – dreamers.
Despite pushback from a patriarchal society at nearly ever turn and a choir of those telling her she would never find success, Trudy was selected as a member of the Olympic swimming team in 1924 (and won the gold medal). Soon after, her competitive spirit led her to attempt crossing the 21 mile English Channel by swimming from France to England.
It’s a rousing story of a woman born to German immigrant parents in New York City who overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges while pursuing her dream. As you’d expect, the film’s themes of dreaming big, the rewards of perseverance and dedication, and the joy of laughing in the face of those who tell you “no” are not subtle.
The story is filled with positive messaging that’s geared towards young girls in particular, celebrating themes of resilience and empowerment. It’s the kind of film that aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Olympics, offering a patriotic and uplifting story that screams “yay, America!” and “Hooray for Girls!”
The film starts slow and is a bit depressing, but the story eventually takes off. The scenes of Trudy swimming the Channel are repetitive, however, and feel a lot like it’s a copycat version of last year’s “NYAD.”
Still, “Young Woman and the Sea” is a solid story of a remarkable woman and her equally impressive accomplishments. It’s a family-friendly and inspirational biopic of a woman who can serve as a wonderful role model for everyone.
By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS
