Sink or Swim (2018)

In the throes of a relentless depression, the middle-aged Bertrand finds himself adrift in life, jobless for two years and reliant on his supportive yet understandably exasperated wife, Claire. Claire's patience is tested further by the constant criticisms from her judgmental sister Clementine and her husband Thibault, whose superiority complex has become a thorn in their sides. In search of purpose and a break from the mundanity, Bertrand, on an impulsive whim, answers a bulletin board posting at the local swimming pool. He finds himself becoming part of an all-male synchronized swimming team, led by Delphine, a woman who once danced on the stage of competitive swimming herself. Each team member, like Bertrand, is a misfit in his own right - middle-aged, out of shape, grappling with personal struggles. Even Delphine harbors her own secrets, including a mysterious connection with Amanda, an irate wheelchair-bound woman who often accompanies the water polo team that practices after them. Banding together under the banner of this unconventional sport, traditionally dominated by women, they discover a newfound freedom and camaraderie. Despite the ridicule they face from colleagues, water polo players, and even Clementine and Thibault, they persist, their collective misfit status becoming a badge of honor. Mediocre they may be, but their spirit is anything but. The team's resolve is truly tested when they learn of the upcoming Men's Synchronized Swimming World Championship in Norway. A strange idea, perhaps, but this challenge presents an opportunity to not only represent France but also to find meaning and redemption in their lives. Through this journey, they must choose to sink or swim, both as a team and as individuals, as they navigate their respective battles. The pool becomes more than just a place to train - it transforms into a stage for personal and collective triumphs, where they must dive into the deep end of their fears and confront their realities head-on.

Sink or Swim is a comedy movie featuring Guillaume Canet and directed by Gilles Lellouche.

Sink or Swim is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy Sink or Swim on Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.