Daisy Ridley takes on the role of legendary swimmer Trudy Ederle in Young Woman and the Sea, a Disney feature film that has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Ederle, noteworthy for becoming the first woman to swim across the English Channel in 1926, is brought to life by Ridley’s dedicated performance.
A Journey Through History and Water
Ederle’s story, largely unknown to many, was immortalized by author Glenn Stout in his 2009 book Young Woman and the Sea: How Trudy Ederle Conquered the English Channel and Inspired the World. The film adaptation meticulously brings her achievements and struggles to the screen. Ridley said in a statement: The most surprising thing about this story is how few people know what Trudy did. What she accomplished was not only a personal achievement but groundbreaking for women in sport.
Realism Over CGI
Directed by Joachim Rønning, known for prioritizing authenticity over CGI, the film’s water scenes were shot on location in the Black Sea and the English Channel. This choice underscores Rønning’s commitment to capturing Ederle’s arduous swims accurately.
Training Like an Olympian
Ridley underwent rigorous training with former Olympic swimmer Siobhan-Marie O’Connor to prepare for this demanding role. The dedication paid off with Ridley performing most of her own swimming stunts, adding a layer of physical authenticity to her portrayal.
Challenges Both Onscreen and Off
The film depicts many of Ederle’s real-life challenges, including her epic 16-mile swim from Lower Manhattan to Sandy Hook, New Jersey—a journey dramatized to showcase her relentless determination and need for funding for her English Channel endeavor.
The Road to Theatrical Release
Initially slated for streaming only, exceptional test screening responses led to its limited theatrical release. Legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealed that test screenings scored better than any of his previous productions, prompting Disney to debut it in select theaters alongside a global release in countries such as China, UK, and Ireland.
Bringing Authentic Stories to Life
Stout described Trudy Ederle as a trailblazer for women in sports—a sentiment echoed in Ridley’s performance. The film’s attention to period detail immerses viewers in 1920s New York, effectively rendering not just the physicality but also the emotional world Ederle inhabited.
A Nighttime Swim Across History
A striking scene exhibits Ridley as Trudy swimming alone at night, reflecting both Ederle’s isolation during her historical endeavor and how challenging it is to convey such moments authentically. This highlights both Ridley’s acting prowess and her transformation into an adept swimmer.
A Legacy Etched in Water
The importance of Ederle’s legacy cannot be overstated. As multitudinous tributes like her induction into the International Swimming Hall of Fame assert, Ederle’s pioneering legacy continues inspiring new generations.
Ridley’s portrayal aims not only to entertain but also educate audiences about these vital historical milestones. As Jerry Bruckheimer put it: The prestige trappings—the 1920s New York and Brooklyn neighborhoods where the story unfolds are handsomely recreated—go some way towards winning over the audience, as does a peppy and likable turn from Ridley.
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