Uncertain line readings and torpid direction hamper the story of the first British woman to swim the Channel
It is the misfortune of this waterlogged British indie to be a true-life drama about a female endurance swimmer, coming out when people are still talking about Annette Bening in the Hollywood underdog heartwarmer Nyad, also about a female endurance swimmer. Nyad cuts powerfully and confidently through the water. This film, sadly, seems as if it’s got cramp after picking up a dozen verrucas in the footbaths.
Kirsten Callaghan plays Mercedes Gleitze, the young Brighton swimmer of German parentage in the 1920s on a mission to become the first British woman to swim the Channel, but facing snobbery, sexism and xenophobia at every stroke. Her main competitor in the female Channel-swimming stakes is the haughty Edith Gade (Victoria Summer), a notorious cheat – based on the discredited swimmer Mona McLennan – whose scandalous...
It is the misfortune of this waterlogged British indie to be a true-life drama about a female endurance swimmer, coming out when people are still talking about Annette Bening in the Hollywood underdog heartwarmer Nyad, also about a female endurance swimmer. Nyad cuts powerfully and confidently through the water. This film, sadly, seems as if it’s got cramp after picking up a dozen verrucas in the footbaths.
Kirsten Callaghan plays Mercedes Gleitze, the young Brighton swimmer of German parentage in the 1920s on a mission to become the first British woman to swim the Channel, but facing snobbery, sexism and xenophobia at every stroke. Her main competitor in the female Channel-swimming stakes is the haughty Edith Gade (Victoria Summer), a notorious cheat – based on the discredited swimmer Mona McLennan – whose scandalous...
- 3/4/2024
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Exclusive: Swede Caroline, a British mockumentary starring Jo Hartley (After Life) and Aisling Bea from Nicola Pearcey, formerly President, Lionsgate UK & Europe, and now CEO of Picnik Entertainment, has landed both a theatrical and digital release.
Belstone Pictures, Deadbeat Studios, and Pearcey’s Picnik Entertainment will jointly send the pic into cinemas on April 19, with Sky Cinema set to premiere the film later this year. The deal with Sky was closed by Finn Bruce of Belstone on behalf of the filmmakers and by Rachel Trawicki and Alexander Wright for Sky.
Swede Caroline is the debut feature of directing duo Brook Driver and Finn Bruce, who previously collaborated on SXSW Special Jury Prize-winning Paul Dood’s Deadly Lunch Break. Swede Caroline was penned by Driver. The story is centered around the eccentric world of competitive vegetable growing. The plot follows Caroline as she readies herself for the big championship when the...
Belstone Pictures, Deadbeat Studios, and Pearcey’s Picnik Entertainment will jointly send the pic into cinemas on April 19, with Sky Cinema set to premiere the film later this year. The deal with Sky was closed by Finn Bruce of Belstone on behalf of the filmmakers and by Rachel Trawicki and Alexander Wright for Sky.
Swede Caroline is the debut feature of directing duo Brook Driver and Finn Bruce, who previously collaborated on SXSW Special Jury Prize-winning Paul Dood’s Deadly Lunch Break. Swede Caroline was penned by Driver. The story is centered around the eccentric world of competitive vegetable growing. The plot follows Caroline as she readies herself for the big championship when the...
- 2/23/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Elliott Hasler’s indie biopic “Vindication Swim” has added Douglas Hodge and James Wilby to the cast.
Hodge recently appeared as Alfred Pennyworth in “Joker” opposite Joaquin Phoenix and has also had recurring roles in “The Great” and “Lost in Space.”
Wilby played Lord Falmouth in BBC period drama “Poldark” and has appeared in “Gosford Park” and the television series “Victoria” alongside Jenna Coleman.
“Vindication Swim” is based on the true story of Mercedes Gleitze, who became the first British woman to swim the English Channel in 1927.
In the feature Gleitze is played by newcomer Kirsten Callaghan.
“The film portrays Mercedes’ upstream struggle in overcoming both the cold waters of the English Channel and the oppressive society of 1920s England,” reads the logline. “However, after a rival comes forward claiming to have accomplished the same feat, Mercedes is forced into battle to retain her record and her legacy.”
In “Vindication Swim,...
Hodge recently appeared as Alfred Pennyworth in “Joker” opposite Joaquin Phoenix and has also had recurring roles in “The Great” and “Lost in Space.”
Wilby played Lord Falmouth in BBC period drama “Poldark” and has appeared in “Gosford Park” and the television series “Victoria” alongside Jenna Coleman.
“Vindication Swim” is based on the true story of Mercedes Gleitze, who became the first British woman to swim the English Channel in 1927.
In the feature Gleitze is played by newcomer Kirsten Callaghan.
“The film portrays Mercedes’ upstream struggle in overcoming both the cold waters of the English Channel and the oppressive society of 1920s England,” reads the logline. “However, after a rival comes forward claiming to have accomplished the same feat, Mercedes is forced into battle to retain her record and her legacy.”
In “Vindication Swim,...
- 1/28/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Victoria Summer, who played Julie Andrews in Saving Mr. Banks, has joined the cast of the indie biopic Vindication Swim directed by UK filmmaker Elliott Hasler (WWII: The Long Road Home).
Based on a true story, Vindication Swim follows Mercedes Gleitze (Kirsten Callaghan), who in 1927 became the first British woman to swim the English Channel. The film portrays Mercedes’ struggle in overcoming both the cold waters of the English Channel and the patriarchal society of 1920s England. However, after a rival comes forward claiming to have accomplished the same feat, Mercedes is forced into battle to retain her record and her legacy.
Summer will step into the role of the aforementioned rival swimmer, Edith Gade, who comes forward in an attempt to usurp Mercedes’ record.
Vindication Swim also features veteran British actor John Locke as Mercedes’ troubled coach Harold Best. The pic will also be...
Based on a true story, Vindication Swim follows Mercedes Gleitze (Kirsten Callaghan), who in 1927 became the first British woman to swim the English Channel. The film portrays Mercedes’ struggle in overcoming both the cold waters of the English Channel and the patriarchal society of 1920s England. However, after a rival comes forward claiming to have accomplished the same feat, Mercedes is forced into battle to retain her record and her legacy.
Summer will step into the role of the aforementioned rival swimmer, Edith Gade, who comes forward in an attempt to usurp Mercedes’ record.
Vindication Swim also features veteran British actor John Locke as Mercedes’ troubled coach Harold Best. The pic will also be...
- 11/2/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
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