Sink or Swim (2018)

Sink or Swim (2018) is a warm, bittersweet comedy-drama about a group of misfit, middle‑aged men who find unexpected purpose and friendship when they form a men's synchronized swimming team. The film follows Bertrand, a man mired in debilitating depression who has been out of work and adrift, as he answers a notice at the municipal pool and is taken on by Delphine, a former synchronized‑swimming champ turned coach. Alongside teammates Marcus, Simon, Laurent, Thierry and others—each carrying personal disappointments, insecurities or humiliations—they train under Delphine’s tough but caring eye and slowly learn to move in unison. Watching the film you’ll get a mix of broad, often absurd comedy (men in sequins and swim caps; awkward rehearsals; ribbing from water‑polo players and judgmental acquaintances) and quieter, humane drama that treats its characters’ struggles—depression, failed careers, strained relationships—with respect. The training and competition sequences provide energetic, surprisingly elegant choreography and genuine sports‑movie momentum as the group sets its sights on the Men’s Synchronized Swimming World Championship in Norway. Emotionally, the movie balances laughs with moving moments of vulnerability. You’ll see the characters bond, fail, encourage one another, and reclaim dignity and joy through shared effort. The result is an uplifting, heartfelt story about masculinity, community and second chances—funny and at times poignant—whose payoff is more about personal transformation and solidarity than trophies. If you like character‑driven comedies with a sporting backdrop and an emphasis on empathy, this film delivers both humor and honest emotion.

Actors: Mathieu Amalric, Guillaume Canet, Benoît Poelvoorde

Director: Gilles Lellouche

Runtime: 121 min

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Sport

5.8 /10 47 /100 6.9 /10 5.8 /10