Daisy Ridley stars in a film about the life of Trudy Ederle. More specifically, the part of Trudy’s life when she, after failing to win any swimming medals at the 1924 Olympics, aspires to become the first woman to swim across the English Channel. If dealing with jellyfish, frigid water, and strong currents weren’t enough, she is also forced to take on a misogynistic male coach who wants to see her fail. And she does it two hours faster than any man.
The film itself is standard Disney fare with a feel good message and a happy ending. What stands apart in the film are the performances of its leading ladies. Ridley and Tilda Cobham-Harvey play off each other as if they were real sisters. Jeanette Hain is wonderful as Trudy’s mother. Sian Clifford as Charlotte, the stubborn and strong swimming coach who taught Trudy to swim, is perfect casting.
This film was the perfect early summer movie in an Olympic year. It shows the strength and fortitude of a woman who paved the way for the women’s sports we have today. So, when you’re watching Katie Ledecky wins all the medals this July, think of Trudy Ederle and her willingness to stand up in a man’s world and do what the men do better.
Becky Tyler Art and Photography 
Daisy Ridley stars in a film about the life of Trudy Ederle. More specifically, the part of Trudy’s life when she, after failing to win any swimming medals at the 1924 Olympics, aspires to become the first woman to swim across the English Channel. If dealing with jellyfish, frigid water, and strong currents weren’t enough, she is also forced to take on a misogynistic male coach who wants to see her fail. And she does it two hours faster than any man.
The film itself is standard Disney fare with a feel good message and a happy ending. What stands apart in the film are the performances of its leading ladies. Ridley and Tilda Cobham-Harvey play off each other as if they were real sisters. Jeanette Hain is wonderful as Trudy’s mother. Sian Clifford as Charlotte, the stubborn and strong swimming coach who taught Trudy to swim, is perfect casting.
This film was the perfect early summer movie in an Olympic year. It shows the strength and fortitude of a woman who paved the way for the women’s sports we have today. So, when you’re watching Katie Ledecky wins all the medals this July, think of Trudy Ederle and her willingness to stand up in a man’s world and do what the men do better.
Share this: