Frank Gaimari
⭐⭐⭐
84 minutes ‧ Unrated ‧ 2021
Cast: Omer Perelman Striks, Asaf Jonas, Ofek Nicki-Cohen
Director: Adam Kalderon
Genres: Drama, Queer
When I sat down to watch The Swimmer, I expected a typical sports underdog story — sweat, grit, and a big win at the end. But this film turned out to be so much more. The story follows Erez, a gifted young swimmer at a high-pressure Israeli training camp where only one athlete gets the chance to go to the Olympics. Everything at the camp is intense. The training is rigorous, the rules are strict, and there’s a constant sense of competition and assessment.
Nevo arrives as Erez’s rival but soon becomes his secret sexual obsession. Their tension propels the film. The camp is built on a fragile idea of masculinity that requires discipline, dominance, and silence. Erez struggles to conform to this ideal, and his desire becomes a source of personal conflict.
Omer Perelman Striks gives an outstanding performance as Erez, exemplifying why he received the Best Actor award at the Jerusalem Film Festival. Asaf Jonas, portraying Nevo, is equally impressive, effortlessly shifting from warmth to coldness. The dynamic and tension between their characters are compelling, keeping the film interesting.
The supporting cast enhances the story’s authenticity. Igal Reznik, playing the tough coach Dima, and Nadia Kucher, as the camp manager, deliver compelling performances. Their presence, combined with the ensemble cast, makes the setting feel genuine and immersive, emphasizing the emotional challenges the athletes face.
One thing that really stands out is how director Adam Kalderon handles nudity and intimacy. It never feels gratuitous. Instead, it is used to express all the emotions the characters cannot bring themselves to say. A look, a breath, a moment of hesitation — these small gestures are loaded with meaning. The real power of The Swimmer comes from everything that is left unspoken.
The Swimmer is a film that balances tenderness with tension. Even if you’re not interested in sports dramas, it’s worth giving this one a try. This beautiful film deserves a broader audience, so watch it — you won’t regret it.
