The Swimmer

The main character was sympathetic, frustrating, and totally relatable. The ending was joyous and affirming.

This movie promised much through the start but delivered little. Good performances from the cast but the storyline got lost in homophobia. It was ok.

Excellent film! Full of strength and heart, moral compass and passion, and even in the ending, kindness and triumph. I love how in the closing scene only Paloma and Erez, got it. Great job to all the actors and to the director, you made this shine, and Erez gave the perfect Victory sign. Loved the film, and everyone in it.

Okay, there's certainly eye candy here, but the story is a mess. Maybe it was cut down to under 90 minutes and that's the problem. The coach's sudden change of allegiance, so to speak, doesn't make sense since nothing that the film's lead (Erez) has done warrants being ditched. Perhaps we're meant to think the coach is a closet case, but if so, that needed to be clearer. And the end was ridiculous both for how the competition was interrupted by a fantasy dance and because the lead who basically said swimming was his life apparently let his rival win. BS. Israel has produced many fine, complex queer films--this is not one of them.

I made it a point to catch (and not miss) this film as it had been extended, the run I mean. It was beautifully shot, extremely believable and well-acted, emotional, poignant and surpassed by far merely being eye candy. I would like to see it again.

Overall a very touching and heartfelt film about the sacrifice it takes to compete in sports at such a high level, and whether that sacrifice is worth it. Loved the surprise ending as well, although Erez could’ve had a bit more conflict resolution.

While the premise of the movie indicates a brewing relationship between the two male leads, in actuality no real relationship ensues. It becomes a brow beating example of control, devaluation and homophobia within elite circles that prepare swimmers for entry into the Olympics. And it is a harrowing ride for the star of the movie, who is filled with sadness, humiliation and dealing with a culture that aims to break the human spirit.