The water was Gertrude Ederle's solace and refuge. She once declared, "The sea is to me, what a human being is to others, like a long-time friend. I never feel alone when I'm in its midst."
This connection to the water, coupled with her steadfast resilience, led Ederle, a German-American swimmer portrayed by Daisy Ridley, to challenge prejudices and dismissive attitudes towards women athletes. In 1926, she accomplished what was deemed impossible; she swam across the English Channel in 14 hours and 31 minutes, breaking the previous world record held by a man. This achievement was more than a personal victory; it altered public views on women's potential in competitive sports.
Upon her return to New York, Ederle was hailed as a heroine and marked as the Queen of the Waves, celebrated with a grand parade, an event that remains unparalleled to date.
Her journey, fraught with obstacles and adversities, was brilliantly showcased by director Joachim Rønning in Young Woman and the Sea. The film, based on Glenn Stout’s book, captures Ederle's inspiring journey from her early swimming days around the Coney Island pier to her iconic confrontation with the English Channel waves.
Rønning skillfully utilized Disney-esque themes of hope and triumph, brilliantly complemented by a stirring score composed by Amelia Warner. However, the film's emotional depth was somewhat diluted by Jeff Nathanson’s conventional screenplay.
Natanson and Rønning depict how Ederle, or Trudy, defied odds from a young age. Introduced as a young girl combatting measles in 1914, Trudy’s journey into the world of swimming stems from her mother’s desire to equip her daughter with a lifesaving skill, rooted in her fear of losing her to a tragic accident like the one she witnessed where women drowned because they couldn't swim.
The narrative engages as Trudy and her sister Meg, enroll in competitive swim lessons, revealing the instrumental role Trudy’s mother played in her life. Despite facing initial rejection from the women’s swim coach, Eppy, Trudy resiliently fights for her place and eventually becomes the best swimmer on the team.
Daisy Ridley astoundingly embodies Trudy's character, portraying her introversion and “never give up” attitude alongside a convincing physical performance. As Trudy climbs the ladder of success winning local and national competitions, Meg conforms to societal norms, bringing an intriguing sibling dynamic into the narrative.
The real thrill begins when Trudy undertakes her record-breaking mission. With the misogynist athletic union president and a resentful coach against her, Trudy teams up with Bill Burgess to swim the English Channel. Their chemistry brings forth different aspects of Trudy’s personality, showing her determination and zest for challenges.
Young Woman and the Sea, despite having a somewhat predictable narrative, brings forth a powerful story of defiance and determination, leaving audiences inspired and awed. However, one can't help but wonder what the film could have been like if it had fully captured the essence of Ederle's fluid connection with the water.
