Vindication Swim

"Vindication Swim" stands as a testament to the remarkable talent of its young director Elliott Hasler in capturing the historic journey of British long-distance swimmer Mercedes Gleitze across the English Channel. Directed with precision and authenticity, the film immerses viewers in the challenges and triumphs of Gleitze's daring quest.

Set against the backdrop of the 1920s, the film captures the spirit of adventure and determination as Gleitze embarks on her ambitious swim. Through breathtaking cinematography and intense swimming sequences, viewers experience the physical and emotional hurdles she faces, culminating in a triumphant crossing of the Channel.

The film's focus on Gleitze's personal struggles and triumphs adds depth to her character, portraying her as a resilient and inspiring figure who defied expectations. Her interactions with supporters and skeptics alike highlight the societal barriers she faced, making her achievement all the more meaningful.

"Vindication Swim" is not only a testament to Gleitze's remarkable journey but also a showcase of the young director's talent in bringing this inspiring story to life. It's a captivating film that will leave audiences inspired and uplifted, showcasing Gleitze's indomitable spirit and the limitless possibilities of the human body and mind.

Bravo.

This independent film tells an important story in a way that draws you in and keeps you hooked. I hadn't heard of Mercedes Gleitze before seeing the film, her story is so interesting and it's great that the film brings it to the public eye. Great rivalry with the other swimmer, and a real idea of how hard it must have been to do that swim. The swimming scenes are incredible, the actor doing them must be brave! Beautiful setting and costumes too, really evocative. The fact it has such a young writer and director makes this even more impressive. It's a great film and I'm excited to see what Elliot does next.

This is a beautifully shot true biopic about the struggles of Mercedes Gleitze trying to prove, in a male dominate world, that she did in fact swim the English Channel.

It is shot in black and white but also in colour for all the water scenes. No green screens were used and all the swimming action is done by the actress herself. The film was written, filmed and directed by Elliot Hasler who remarkably has had no formal training in film making.

It is well worth a visit to a local cinema to see and will take you on an emotional roller coaster of a ride as you cheer on Mercedes to succeed seemingly joining the crowds of onlookers cheering her on near the end.

It just shows you a film doesn't have to be a large Hollywood block buster of a film to be just as enjoyable and Vindication Swim shows you just what the best of independent films can be. Don't miss it.

What a great film this is about an inspirational true story that seems lost to time. I had never heard of Mercedes Gleitze before, but the film does a great job of bringing you on the journey of really understanding all the challenges she faced and the emotional rollercoaster she went on. Not only did she have to deal with the actual task of swimming the channel, but to do that as a woman at that time makes it all the more impressive.

I loved the way it was shot, the very clever use of black and white scenes mixed with colour scenes when she was in the water which gives the impression she was truly free in the open waters, away from her normal life on land.

A really entertaining, cleverly written film about an amazing woman, well worth a watch.

Being a channel swimmer myself (relay only) I found this a fascinating watch. The challenges of the channel are captured perfectly in the film, I almost felt sea sick at one point, it was so realistic. I felt for the rower, never mind Mercedes. The film clearly portrayed how driven Mercedes was to overcome the prejudice's of the time, being a working class female of German heritage, and this was eloquently emphasised by the sound effects. The film tenderly told the story of Mercedes incredible achievements and what drove her to them. The film makers are to be commended in their portrayal of this period piece, which considering it's a low budget film was extremely good. Go and see it!