The Swimmer

Israel, 85m, DCP

Showtimes & Tickets

Screened October 7–27, 2022

Erez, a rising star in the Israeli swimming scene, arrives at a godforsaken training camp held in a boarding school, where the one to win the competition gets a ticket to the Olympics. There he meets the beautiful and talented Nevo, who awakens subconscious desires in him.However, their swimming coach does not believe in friendship between competitors. Warned to stay away from Nevo, Erez is still too attracted to him. In between practices, he attempts to act upon his feelings and understands that winning a medal is less important than winning Nevo’s heart. A Strand Releasing release

In Hebrew and English, with English subtitles

Official Selection: Jerusalem Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, BFI Flare London LGBTQ+ Film Festival

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A film by Adam Kalderon

Eye-catching… an 80-minute excuse to show ripped men in as little clothing as possible.”

Steven Warner, In Review Online

Sublime visual sequences… Kalderon breaks free of the familiar logic of the sports film and brings us tantalisingly close to remembering why sport matters in the first place.”

Jennie Kermode, Eye For Film

Goes beyond mere marble-body ogling… [Adam] Kalderon finds the intensity of desire and competition in the cracks of the statue.”

Kyle Turner, The New York Times