Daisy Ridley Shines in "Young Woman and the Sea" - A Must-Watch Inspirational Film

 In August 1926, Trudy Ederle, a 19-year-old from New York, became the first woman to swim the English Channel. Prior to her achievement, only five men had completed the 21-mile journey from Cape Gris-Nez in France to Kingsdown Beach in England. Ederle's swim was a remarkable 35 miles, overcoming frigid waters, unpredictable tides, and jellyfish, finishing two hours faster than the men.

Trudy Ederle's name might not ring a bell for many, but Daisy Ridley's portrayal in the new film "Young Woman and the Sea" aims to change that. This inspirational sports drama, directed by Joachim Rønning and written by Jeff Nathanson, brings Ederle's story to the big screen with a classical and stirring approach. The film is especially recommended for families with young daughters, offering an empowering narrative while mostly steering clear of clichéd storytelling.

While "Young Woman and the Sea" is an engaging film, it takes creative liberties with Ederle's story. The movie doesn't mention her gold medal win at the 1924 Olympics in Paris for the 400-meter freestyle relay. It also glosses over her numerous records and focuses instead on her bronze medal achievements. The filmmakers prioritize a compelling narrative over strict historical accuracy, adapting Glenn Stout's well-researched book for a broader audience.

The movie portrays Ederle as a resilient athlete, a child of German immigrants who overcame measles and societal expectations. By the 1920s, sports like tennis and swimming were beginning to open up for white women, though they still faced strict standards of femininity. Trudy's journey is marked by a misogynist coach more concerned with keeping her on a restrictive diet than providing proper training. Her relationship with her sister Meg (Tilda Cobham-Hervey) and her supportive mother (Jeanette Hain) is also a focal point of the story.

Trudy's mentor, Lottie Epstein (Sian Clifford), plays a crucial role in her development, though the film downplays Epstein's real-life accomplishments in favor of highlighting the sexism of the era. The inclusion of a male antagonist serves to underscore the gender challenges Trudy faced. The film also touches on racial diversity by including a Black swimmer who bonds with Ederle during training, though it remains a predominantly white cast.

Daisy Ridley, known for her role in "Star Wars," shines as Trudy Ederle, bringing depth to the character and signaling a new phase in her career as an executive producer. "Young Woman and the Sea" showcases Ridley's talent and hints at her future projects where she may take on more control behind the scenes.

"Young Woman and the Sea" is a reminder of the untapped potential in the stories of women in competitive sports. Like other classics in the genre, this film contributes to the broader narrative of female athletes overcoming adversity. With the recent release of "Nyad," another open water swimming film, this niche may soon gain more recognition.

"Young Woman and the Sea," produced by Walt Disney Pictures, opens in theaters this Friday. It is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for thematic elements, some language, and partial nudity, with a running time of 129 minutes. It earns a solid three out of four stars for its engaging storytelling and inspirational message.