75. Vindication Swim; movie review

 

VINDICATION SWIM

Cert PG

94 mins

BBFC advice: Contains mild threat, language, scenes of sexual harassment

At the last count, 1,881 people have completed solo swims across the English Channel.

Indeed, it is an event which barely causes a ripple in the national or even local media.

However, in 1927, such an endeavour was headline news because the swimmers were pioneers and feted as heroes.

They included Mercedes Gleitze (Kirsten Callaghan), who became so famous that Rolex named a watch after her.

Vindication Swim is the story of Gleitze's achievement, the obstacles that stood in her way and the controversy surrounding it.

It begins after seven aborted Channel swims and she hears that an American has become the first woman to have crossed unaided between Calais and Dover.

However, this makes her even more determined to become the first British female - despite competition from Edith Gade (Victoria Summer), favoured by the British swimming authorities.

Elliott Hasler's movie shows how she was forced to overcome scepticism and outright sexism before finding an unlikely ally and coach in a washed-up former world-class swimmer (John Locke).

Vindication Swim is an intriguing true story, and Callaghan is an engaging, earnest lead.

The production team had a meagre budget and spent much of it ensuring that the 1920s detail was spot on.

Thus, scenes in offices, homes, pubs and a swimming pool feel authentic.

However, the dialogue is a tad stilted and the film struggles to ratchet up the tension around the key Channel swims and the competition between the two women.

However, the scenes in the water are accomplished, and the anxiety over whether Gleintze will complete her goal is palpable.

It is also fascinating to see what happens next.

Thus, I found the story compelling, and the movie is definitely worth watching.

Reasons to watch: Engaging true story

Reasons to avoid: Stilted presentation

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 6.5/10

Did you know? After she retired from swimming, Gleitze became a housewife, had three children, and became increasingly reclusive, lying about her past to her neighbours and not discussing her achievements with her family.

The final word. Kirsten Callaghan: "The production has been very ambitious for a small independent film company. As a team, we work very hard to make sure that no part in the making of Vindication Swim is overlooked." Swim Trek

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