Young Woman and the Sea Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Girl ignores everyone who says she can’t swim across a big puddle, then does it anyway, proving that stubbornness can beat cold water and jellyfish.

🍿 Young Woman and the Sea: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Introduction to Swimming

In 1914 New York City, a young Trudy Ederle survives measles but witnesses a tragic ferry accident where many women die due to their inability to swim. Inspired, Trudy’s mother teaches her and her siblings to swim. Trudy demonstrates a natural talent, leading her to join the Women’s Swimming Association under coach Charlotte Epstein.

Olympic Dreams and Disappointment

Trudy’s exceptional swimming skills earn her a place in the 1924 Paris Olympics. However, the sexist coach Jabez Wolffe hinders their training, resulting in Trudy only winning bronze medals. Returning home, she discovers her sister Meg is engaged in an arranged marriage, further fueling her determination to break societal norms.

The Challenge of the English Channel

Inspired by Bill Burgess, Trudy decides to attempt crossing the English Channel. She seeks sponsorship from James Sullivan, who initially rejects her but agrees if she can swim from New York to New Jersey within three hours. Despite Wolffe’s continued interference, Trudy succeeds and secures the necessary funding.

First Attempt and Setback

Trudy trains in France, facing constant conflict with Wolffe. During her first attempt to cross the Channel, Wolffe sabotages her tea, causing confusion and forcing her to abandon the swim. Disheartened, Trudy is visited by her family, but Burgess convinces her to try again, offering to train her himself.

The Second Attempt and Triumph

Resolved, Trudy prepares for a second attempt, guided by Burgess and supported by her family. Despite numerous challenges, including jellyfish stings and treacherous waters, Trudy perseveres. As night falls, the residents of Dover light bonfires to guide her. Trudy successfully crosses the Channel, setting a new world record and becoming a symbol of female empowerment.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Trudy Ederle (Daisy Ridley): A determined and talented swimmer who overcomes societal expectations to become the first woman to swim the English Channel.
• Meg Ederle (Tilda Cobham-Hervey): Trudy’s supportive sister who initially shares her passion for swimming but later finds her own path, providing unwavering encouragement.
• Henry Ederle (Kim Bodnia): Trudy’s initially reluctant father who eventually becomes a staunch supporter of her swimming aspirations.
• Bill Burgess (Stephen Graham): A former English Channel swimmer who becomes Trudy’s coach and mentor, helping her achieve her goal.
• Charlotte ‘Eppy’ Epstein (Sian Clifford): The brash coach of the Women’s Swimming Association who initially favors Meg but recognizes and nurtures Trudy’s exceptional talent.
• Jabez Wolffe (Christopher Eccleston): The sexist coach of the U.S. women’s team who undermines Trudy’s training at the Olympics and attempts to sabotage her first Channel swim.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Young Trudy Ederle: “If Meg swims, I swim!” – Expresses her determination to participate in swimming, mirroring her sister’s involvement.
• Trudy Ederle: “I’m saving up for a telephone.” – When asked why, she answered, ‘I don’t know. I just want one.’ So old-timey yet very much today.
• Trudy Ederle: “Ain’t we got fun?” – A playful and defiant song Trudy sings, representing her spirit and joy despite challenges.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $500,000
• Worldwide Gross: $581,725

💥 Young Woman and the Sea Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed ‘Young Woman and the Sea’! Daisy Ridley was fantastic, and I found myself completely invested in Trudy’s journey. The scene where she finally reaches the shore gave me chills. It’s a feel-good movie that left me feeling inspired and empowered. Definitely recommend it!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical sports dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories of female empowerment”
  • “Families looking for an inspirational movie”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some scenes depict sexism and discrimination”
  • “Brief scenes of peril in the water”
  • “Mild language”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “A well-made and inspiring sports biopic that hits all the right notes. Daisy Ridley delivers a strong performance. The best aspect is the sisters’ relationship.
• Film Website: “An emotional, yet predictable telling of a true underdog story. It is well-shot with a strong score that complements the movie well. Daisy Ridley has an endearing performance as Trudy Ederle.
• Indie Film Source: “While Ridley does a phenomenal job representing Trudy Ederly, the relentless preachy nature of the writing and the stereotypical male characters sometimes get in the way

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the feel-good vibes and the inspiring story of Trudy Ederle.: Daisy Ridley’s performance was widely praised for capturing Trudy’s determination and spirit.

People enjoyed the movie’s focus on female empowerment and overcoming obstacles.: Many felt the film was a great family movie with a positive message.

Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and inspirational sports biopic with a strong lead performance, though some find it predictable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Daisy Ridley underwent extensive swimming training for the role, performing many of her own swimming scenes to enhance the authenticity of the film.”
• “The film takes some dramatic liberties with historical events, such as altering the details of Ederle’s Olympic performance and compressing the timeline between her attempts to swim the English Channel.”

🖥️ How to Watch Young Woman and the Sea?

Currently, ‘Young Woman and the Sea’ is available for streaming on Disney+. Check listings on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu for rental or purchase options as they become available.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Young Woman and the Sea, you might like these similar films:

• Vindication Swim (2023): Another film about a woman overcoming obstacles to swim the English Channel, focusing on Mercedes Gleitze a year after Trudy’s swim.
• Nyad (2023): Shares themes of perseverance and determination in long-distance swimming, with Annette Bening portraying Diana Nyad’s journey.
• Seabiscuit (2003): An inspirational sports story about an underdog overcoming obstacles to achieve greatness.

🛒 Young Woman and the Sea Related Products

• Young Woman and the Sea: How Trudy Ederle Conquered the English Channel and Inspired the World: The book that inspired the movie, a detailed biography of Gertrude Ederle’s life and achievements.
• Speedo Women’s Endurance+ Medalist Swimsuit: A durable and comfortable swimsuit designed for competitive swimming, perfect for aspiring athletes.
• Motivational Poster – ‘Defy the Odds’: Inspirational poster featuring a quote from the movie and iconic imagery.
• Trudy Ederle Collectible Figurine: A detailed figurine of Trudy Ederle in her swimming gear, a tribute to her historic achievement.

🎧 Soundtrack

Young Woman and the Sea features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Waiting for a Train” – performed by Jimmie Rodgers
• “Ain’t We Got Fun” – performed by Richard A. Whiting

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

YOUNG WOMAN AND THE SEA | Film Threat Reviews

Want to know if ‘Young Woman and the Sea’ is worth your time? Film Threat breaks down the film, giving you the pros and cons. I always find their reviews super insightful before deciding to watch a movie myself!

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