Obvious but uplifting
Film critic Jason Evans has made it his mission to tell you everything you need to know about movies in less time than it takes to swim a lap in your bathtub. His reviews are exactly 100 words long (99 is too short and 101 is excessive). Here is his 100-word review of Young Woman & The Sea.
The Premise: The (mostly) true story of the amazing life of
Trudy Ederle (Daisy Ridley from Star Wars). Born in 1905, Trudy grew up in a
world where women were expected to be quiet and just make babies. Most Americans
considered it unladylike to even learn to swim. But Trudy fought that perception
to become a world class swimmer who won multiple medals at the 1924 Olympics. Two
years later, she tried to do something only a small number of men had ever
accomplished – swim the English Channel from France to Britain. With the
support of her family and a few brave champions, Trudy embarks on a dangerous
journey with the whole world watching. Originally planned as a Disney+ release (until
test audiences loved it) the film is directed by Joachim Rønning (Pirates
of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and Maleficent: Mistress
of Evil) and written by Jeff Nathanson (Catch Me If You Can and Indiana Jones and
the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull).
The 100-words: The real-life underdog sports movie has been
good to Disney** and this film is right in that wheelhouse. With a sweeping
score and an emotional story you cannot help but get sucked into rooting for these
characters. Sure, they took some pretty serious liberties in re-telling Trudy’s
story, but the film largely follows the history books and educates the audience
about an important figure who helped break gender barriers. Ridley does a
credible job in a challenging physical role and the supporting cast is universally
likable. This won’t be an award-winner, but is a fast-paced, good time at the
movies.
** - Recent Disney sports movies – Million Dollar Arm, The
Rookie, Miracle, Invincible, Glory Road and many others.
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