The Swimmers

The Swimmers

Year: 2022

Runtime: 134 min

Language: English

Director: Sally El Hosaini

BiographyDramaSport

In this inspiring true story, two Syrian sisters defy the odds, fleeing war-torn devastation to chase Olympic dreams in Rio de Janeiro. With determination and athletic prowess, they navigate treacherous refugee landscapes, ultimately arriving at the 2016 Olympics where their remarkable tale of resilience takes center stage.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Swimmers yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Swimmers (2022)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Swimmers (2022). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

2010s

The film captures events during the early 2010s, a time when the Syrian civil war was displacing millions. This era was characterized by geopolitical unrest, with many families fleeing their homeland for the hope of safety and a better life. The narrative unfolds amidst the backdrop of the refugee crisis that affected Europe during these years.

Location

Syria, Turkey, Greece, Germany

The movie traverses several significant locations. It begins in Syria, where the Mardini sisters train under the difficult conditions of a civil war. Their journey takes them through Turkey, where they face perilous crossings, and then to Greece, a key refuge point for many migrants. Eventually, they reach Germany, where they seek asylum and pursue their swimming dreams.

🌍 Locations 🏊‍♀️ Swimming

Last Updated: November 25, 2024 at 12:18

Main Characters – The Swimmers (2022)
Meet the key characters of The Swimmers (2022), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Yusra Mardini (Nathalie Issa)

Yusra Mardini is portrayed as a determined and talented swimmer who refuses to give up on her Olympic dreams. An inspiring character, she shows immense resilience as she navigates the challenges of being a refugee. Her journey is marked by personal growth, determination, and an unwavering spirit.

🏊‍♀️ Swimming 🌟 Dreams 💪 Resilience

Sarah Mardini (Manal Issa)

Sarah Mardini is depicted as the emotional backbone of the sisters, showing leadership in their perilous journey. She reflects the struggles many face in balancing personal aspirations with familial responsibility and empathy for others. Her character embodies sacrifice and determination.

👩‍👧 Sisterhood 💖 Love 🌹 Sacrifice

Ezzat Mardini (Ali Suliman)

Ezzat Mardini is both a supportive father and a passionate coach, whose dreams for his daughters weigh heavily on his decisions. His character struggles with the dangers posed by their current life and the dreams of the future that seem increasingly distant. He embodies parental love and protection in a tumultuous world.

👨‍👧 Family 🏊‍♂️ Coaching 💔 Protection

Sven (Matthias Schweighöfer)

Sven is a compassionate coach who becomes instrumental in Yusra's path towards the Olympics. His character represents the hope and mentorship available to refugees, highlighting the importance of support systems in achieving dreams. Sven’s belief in Yusra’s potential encourages her to strive for excellence.

🏊‍♂️ Coach 🌟 Mentorship 🙌 Support

Last Updated: November 25, 2024 at 12:18

Major Themes – The Swimmers (2022)
Explore the central themes of The Swimmers (2022), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏊‍♀️ Courage

Courage is central to the Mardini sisters' story as they face overwhelming odds during their perilous journey. Their bravery is not only evident in their physical struggles in the water but also in their emotional resilience and determination to pursue their dreams despite constant adversities. The film highlights how courage can manifest in many forms, from survival instincts to the pursuit of aspirations.

🤝 Solidarity

Solidarity plays a significant role in the film as the sisters navigate their journey alongside fellow refugees. The support they provide to one another, and the friendships formed amidst hardship, underline the essential human connection in times of crisis. The film emphasizes how collective struggle can forge unbreakable bonds.

🏅 Dreams

The pursuit of dreams is a recurring theme as Yusra and Sarah aim to compete in the Olympics amidst chaos and danger. Their aspirations highlight the power of hope and ambition, even in the darkest circumstances. The film powerfully illustrates how the drive to achieve one’s goals can be a guiding light in difficult times.

Last Updated: November 25, 2024 at 12:18

Similar Movies to The Swimmers
Discover movies like The Swimmers that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.