← Back to results
The Swimmers
2022 134 min United Kingdom PG-13 16+
★7.3
Drama, History
Director: Sally El Hosaini
Trailers
EN
Teaser
Description
From war-torn Syria to the 2016 Rio Olympics, two young sisters embark on a risky voyage, putting their hearts and their swimming skills to heroic use.
Starring
Nathalie Issa
Actor
Manal Issa
Actor
Matthias Schweighöfer
Actor
Awards
BAFTA 2023
— Best British Film
Key opinion
The Swimmers is widely praised for its authentic portrayal of a harrowing refugee journey and the compelling, naturalistic performances of its lead actresses. While the film is lauded for its emotional resonance and realism, some critics argue that it occasionally struggles to balance its ambitious scope, leading to a narrative that can feel rushed or overstuffed.
| Acting | Nathalie and Manal Issa deliver strong, authentic performances that benefit from their genuine off-screen sibling chemistry. | |
| Production | The recreation of the dangerous sea crossing provides a visceral, high-stakes sense of realism that anchors the film's emotional gravity. | |
| Score | Stephen Price’s score successfully amplifies the film's most emotionally resonant sequences. | |
| Pacing | The narrative structure is subject to debate; some find the pacing compelling and well-managed, while others feel the attempt to compress numerous life events makes the film feel rushed and superficial. |