The Swimmer *** (2021, Omer Perelman Striks, Asaf Jonas, Ofek Nicki-Cohen) – Classic Movie Review 12,525

Omer Perelman Striks stars in the energetic and enjoyable 2021 film The Swimmer as determined Israeli rising star swimmer Erez, who battles against the odds to represent his country at the Olympic Games. Among his challenges to overcome is that he is attracted to men, while the training camp in the desert is full of homophobic banter, with a homophobic coach who does not believe in friendships between competitors.

The winner of the competition at the training camp wins a ticket to the Olympics. But there Erez meets beautiful, gifted Nevo (Asaf Jonas), and is attracted to him, though he has been warned to stay away from him.

It’s convincing and valuable as an insider’s point of view, as The Swimmer is based on the real experiences of writer/ director Adam Kalderon, once an Olympic contender contending with homophobia. A good hearted film, with many effective scenes, and a lively swim background, it deals capably about the discrimination against LGBTQ people in sport, and rousingly about how one sportsman learns to accept and love himself. Striks comes across as a rather reluctant, diffident hero, and that works quite nicely.

© Derek Winnert 2023 – Classic Movie Review 12,525

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