Swimming with Men (2018)

What a way to end the 72^nd Edinburgh International Film Festival. The film, directed by Oliver Parker is light, relevant and funny. Before the viewing Parker announces his latest piece of work and the audience more than appreciate his reference to puns made by others with regards to the genre and subject matter. One example is ‘Pool Monty’. He enlightens us with some puns of his own – “What a length we went to….”

The cast humour us on the red carpet before going on to promote the film. Rob Brydon plays the part of Eric Scott, an accountant who is having a crisis. He has lost the passion for his work and his interest in his wife Heather, played by Jane Horrocks, has somewhat faded. She is embarking on a new political career and Eric is rather avoidant and sceptical of the entire thing and has jealousy issues with Heather’s male colleague.

Eric only seems to get some kind of connection with life at the local swimming pool, where he develops an interest in watching a group of synchronised male swimmers. Eric’s knowledge of numbers and organisation lead to a conversation with the men, where he advises them to lose a man from the team in order to balance their movement. What follows is a very humorous invitation from the men towards Eric to balance the team out to an even number by joining the group himself. He is flattered and soon becomes fully immersed in this new-found recreational activity. Meanwhile he has left his wife and is staying at a hotel.

The team’s coach, played by Charlotte Riley, demands hard work and they are introduced to the idea of the world championships in Italy. Eric would love his wife and son to attend but finds that they are dismayed and confused about his new passion.

What is special about Swimming with Men is the discreeteness of the group – there are rules to abide by and one is not bringing your personal life into the water. The bonding is strong and there are scenes which are particularly poignant bringing in a sense of belonging and acceptance within the group.

Although you find yourself rooting for them at the competition, their status is irrelevant as that is not the goal or ethos of the men. It is a story of comradeship, shared meaning and human relations. The film communicates that a crisis can occur no matter the situation, financial status or social class. Men are men and life can become routine and mundane without personal fulfilment of some kind.

The championship is about proving their self-worth and togetherness more so than lifting a trophy. Other themes run throughout – a bit of romantic interest, determining sexual orientation and Eric’s wish to punch ‘the other man’ in the face.

Brydon is brilliant as Eric and we see a man who is troubled, bored and vulnerable coming to life and embracing new and unfounded elements. A fitting end to this year’s film festival.