A dramatized true story of two sisters who flee from Syria for Europe. One eventually competed at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Director: Sally El Hosaini
Starring: Nathalie Issa, Manal Issa, Ali Suliman
Running time: 134 minutes
What stands out most in this film is the way a triumph such as competing in the Olympics, is not the principal objective of The Swimmers. While in no way less impressive, it serves as a side for the main harrowing journey of how real-life sisters, Yusra (Nathalie Issa) and Sara Mardini (Manal Issa – the actresses are also sisters), travelled from Syria to Europe.
In order to aid their crowded boat and complete the passage from Turkey to the Greek island of Lesvos, the pair jumped into the water and swam for three and a half hours. The film offers to humanise the individuals behind the treacherous crossings that are so frequently blazoned across the headlines. Yusra eventually continued her emotional triumph, competing on the first refugee team at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Directed by Welsh-Egyptian film director and screenwriter Sally El Hosaini (My Brother the Devil), The Swimmers begins when Yusra and Sara’s lives in Damascus are upturned by the height of the civil war in 2015. The duo are being trained as competitive swimmers by their father, as the fragility of life is apparent in a country in turmoil from war where death can come at any time.
The framing is dynamic, in order to suggest what it means to run (or swim) from brutal violence.
The first act is undoubtedly effective, containing harrowing scenes of life lived alongside those of war. The girls dance on a rooftop bar as bombs drop in the distance. A run-in with soldiers on a bus results in a nauseating moment of molestation. They soon learn about the death of Sara’s third friend within just one month.
The cinematography is perfectly in tune with the lesson of the film. The framing is dynamic, in order to suggest what it means to run (or swim) from brutal violence. Frames of cold and dark lighting and colours are in opposing contrast to the vivid blue of the pool where Yusra confidently pursues her dream.
This touching film is not only about the injustices of war, but also what it means to be a refugee escaping from fear in search of safety, opportunities and hope. The acting is naively pure, simple and innocent, but intensely heartfelt. Fresh direction with an even more remarkable true story.
The Swimmers is available to watch on Netflix now
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