The Swimmer (1968)

On a balmy summer's day, Ned Merrill, a middle-aged man, unexpectedly resurfaces in a prosperous suburban neighborhood of New York City. His return sparks intrigue amongst his friends and neighbors, who haven't seen him in a long while. Bursting with vitality, Ned dives with abandon into a nearby swimming pool before they can welcome him properly. In the midst of their reunion, Ned stumbles upon an intriguing discovery. With the recent addition of a pool in another neighbor's backyard, a watery path home, miles away, has opened up before him. Enthralled by the prospect, he pledges to swim his way home, hopping from pool to pool across the entire valley. He fondly dubs this aquatic route Lucinda's River, in honor of his wife. Undeterred by the challenges that arise, Ned is resolute in his mission. At each pool, he halts for friendly banter with his neighbors. These encounters, however, reveal more than just idle chit-chat. They unravel the tapestry of Ned's life, pooling into a narrative that flows as steadily as the river he's traversing. As he progresses, the ripples of his journey unveil captivating tales from his past, gradually leading him towards his ultimate destination. In "The Swimmer," Neddy Merrill's unusual quest becomes a deeply engrossing exploration of his life. Dive in and join him on this extraordinary journey that's as much about self-discovery as it is about the destination.

The Swimmer is a drama movie featuring Burt Lancaster and directed by Frank Perry.

The Swimmer is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy The Swimmer on Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.