‘Young Woman And The Sea’ Review – Daisy Ridley Goes For A Swim In A Charming And Inspiring Biopic

The biopic is a familiar film that follows an archetypal format. In the worst cases, the result is an uninspired paint-by-the-numbers story that feels stale and tired no matter the portrait. While Young Woman and The Sea does not break new ground in terms of the genre, the film paints a vivid picture of an incredible woman and her inspiring story. The film documents the experience of Gertrude “Trudy” Ederle, the first woman to swim across the English Channel. In the movie starring Daisy Ridley, she brings an infectious energy that lights up the screen and leaves the audience cheering on her epic swim. Even though the outcome is preordained, Young Woman and The Sea delivers an inspiring and feel-good film. The greatest triumph is the shimmering performance by Daisy Ridley.

The film centers most of its story on Trudy’s training and swim across the English Channel in 1926. However, a minor but significant portion is dedicated to her early life. We see her battling measles and suffering long-term effects from it. There is also a particular focus on her being born to immigrant parents at the start of the 20th century. Her parents, Henry Ederle (Kim Bodnia) and Gertrude Anna Ederle (Jeanette Hain) offer a glimpse into the home life and world of those immigrants struggling to find their way in the United States. Both actors bring paternal warmth and class to the roles and elevate their scenes.

The film’s true strength lies in its portrayal of the unbreakable bond between Trudy and her sister Meg (Tilda Cobham-Hervey). This relationship, tested by life’s challenges, remains a beacon of strength and love. The film’s depiction of sisterly love is sure to resonate with the audience, evoking feelings of warmth and admiration.

Young Woman and The Sea pays only surface-level attention to the misogyny of the day. A more expansive film could have plunged the depths of contempt for women, especially in a sport like swimming. However, the film instead focuses on the 21-mile trek Trudy embarks on. Through sabotage, jellyfish, and strong current the swim is a marathon. The result is a nail-biting and beautifully triumphant experience. 

During this time, Bill Burgess (played in the film by Stephen Graham) was an Olympic Swimmer who also made the swim across the English Channel in 1911. He becomes Trudy’s swim coach. In addition to being her hero, the teacher/student paradigm is a perfect score and avoids the usual clichés. Their dynamic feels authentic, and Graham’s performance is a true highlight. He almost steals the show with his wit and devil-may-care demeanor. By historical accounts, Burgess was a character in his right, and Graham brings that vigor to the screen. 

At the heart of this film is Daisy Ridley, who embodies the spirit of the real Trudy Ederle while bringing her unique charm to the role. Ridley’s performance is a testament to her talent and dedication, as she trained for months to accomplish the swimming feats. She projects an inspiring self-confidence as Trudy, a quality audiences will admire and find relatable. As the film follows Trudy’s marathon swim, the audience feels a part of the journey. By the end, we share in the jubilation and celebration of her triumph. 

Young Woman and The Sea, while following the familiar journey of a biopic, is elevated by its performances and energy. The film exudes an undeniable old-time charm, reminiscent of an earlier era when feel-good films reigned supreme at the box office. This movie feels right at home in that wheelhouse, invoking a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the genre, and leaving the audience hopeful for more such films in the future. 

Young Woman and The Sea is currently playing in select theaters courtesy of Disney.