The Swimmer

The Swimmer

Year: 2022

Runtime: 84 min

Language: Hebrew

Director: Adam Kalderon

DramaSport

A promising swimmer named Erez faces a difficult choice during an intense training camp. He’s driven to win and compete for a place in the Olympics, but his focus is challenged by the arrival of Nevo, who sparks an unexpected attraction. As the coach implements a strict rule forbidding relationships among the athletes, Erez must decide where his priorities truly lie: achieving Olympic glory or pursuing his growing feelings for Nevo.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Swimmer (2022)

Trace every key event in The Swimmer (2022) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Happy Life in Syria

Yusra and Sarah Mardini live a joyful life with their parents in Syria, where their father, Ezzat, is their swimming coach. Ezzat dreams of seeing them compete in the Olympics one day, and both sisters train regularly under his guidance.

Syria
2

Start of the Civil War

The Syrian revolution against President Assad escalates into a civil war, drastically changing the sisters' lives. Over the next four years, the country deteriorates and their dreams of Olympic swimming become increasingly distant due to the ongoing conflict.

Syria
3

Narrow Escape

Yusra experiences a harrowing moment when her swimming competition venue is bombed, nearly costing her father his life. This incident propels the sisters to consider leaving Syria for their safety and future.

Syria
4

Decision to Migrate

Despite their father's worries about the dangers of migration, Yusra convinces him to let her and Sarah cross to Germany. They plan to use tourist visas to fly to Turkey before seeking a smuggler to reach Europe.

Syria
5

Journey to Istanbul

The sisters arrive in Istanbul, where they connect with a smuggler who promises to take them to Lesbos by sea for a steep price. Reluctantly, they agree to this risky option, especially after seeing the smuggler with a family.

Istanbul
6

Dinghy Disaster

As they embark on their journey, they find themselves packed into an unstable rubber dinghy that begins to sink. When the engine fails, Yusra and Sarah bravely jump into the water to swim alongside the dinghy and keep it afloat.

Aegean Sea
7

Arrival in Greece

After a tense night, the sisters and the other refugees manage to reach land in Greece. However, their struggles are just beginning as they encounter discrimination and difficulty securing aid from local organizations.

Greece
8

Failed Smuggling Attempt

The group faces yet another setback when a smuggler abandons them en route to Hungary. Despite the challenges, they connect with a different smuggler who offers a new plan involving car travel but results in separation from each other.

Serbia-Hungary Border
9

Crossing into Germany

Yusra and Sarah finally make it across the border into Germany, albeit separated for a time. After a terrifying encounter that includes a rape attempt in hiding, they find companionship and support in Nizar and Emad.

Germany
10

Refugee Camp Life

Once in Berlin, the sisters are taken to a refugee camp for processing, where they live in cramped conditions. They wait anxiously for two months as authorities process their asylum applications.

Berlin, Germany
11

Training with Coach Sven

Yusra and Sarah find a local swimming club where Yusra impresses coach Sven with her skills. Determined to chase her Olympic dream, Yusra starts intense training under Sven's guidance as Sarah supports her.

Berlin, Germany
12

Building Towards the Olympics

Yusra works hard to improve her swimming times as the International Olympic Committee announces a refugee team for the Rio Olympics. The rigorous training pays off, as Sven helps her refine her technique.

Berlin, Germany
13

Olympic Dreams Realized

Yusra Mardini participates in the 2016 Rio Olympics as part of the Refugee Olympic Team. She faces challenges such as prejudice, yet she triumphantly wins her heat in the 100m butterfly event, finishing 41st out of 45 competitors.

2016 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
14

Tragic Return to Lesbos

Meanwhile, Sarah returns to Lesbos to assist refugees as part of an NGO. Unfortunately, her commitment leads to her arrest, facing heavy charges that could result in a long prison sentence.

Lesbos, Greece
15

Family Reunion

Eventually, Yusra’s parents manage to cross the sea and reunite with their daughters in Berlin, marking a bittersweet end to their treacherous journey. The family comes together, finally feeling safe after their harrowing experiences.

Berlin, Germany

Last Updated: November 25, 2024 at 19:24

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The Swimmer Summary

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The Swimmer Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Swimmer

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Swimmer

The Swimmer Ending Explained

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The Swimmer Ending Explained

More About The Swimmer

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