WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
The spectre of cancer, in any of its insidious and painfully dire forms, is no matter to take lightly. When one has had a family member stricken with and agonizingly struck down by it, the thought of its presence looms more ominously in the mind of those left behind, especially in whom hereditary factors play a potentially crucial, life-altering. Recollecting happier yet heartbreaking days and moments as a young girl (Maren Ritterbuck) watching her treasured mother (Meghan Andrews) put on a brave face while fighting a losing battle against a monster, now adult Rachel (Kimberly Leemans) takes on the precarious and nerve-strained visit to her physician, Dr. Isaaks (Marie-Francoise Theodore), to determine her possible fate at the whims of breast cancer.
With initial results rattling her confidence, plus desiring escape from an abusive, non-understanding former flame, Brian (Jared Day), Rachel embarks on a much needed time away via traveling to the tropical paradise of Cozumel, Mexico. Engaging with her love of the water from childhood experiences, a new wrinkle in plans comes along in the form of diving instructor/guide Luca (Falk Hentschel), who takes more than an immediate fancy to the beautiful young woman. Initially reluctant to accept Luca’s advances, his persistence and charm finally wins her over. Luca then takes her on the most incredible adventure yet, a dream and fear come true–swimming with sharks. But, as their relationship unfolds, and further diagnosis is revealed, a newfound freedom and mindset is discovered.
Next, my Mind:
It has to be said that writer/director/executive producer Kat Green’s twenty-five minute short film could have honestly sunk quickly into becoming a prototypical, overtly melodramatic, weakly-fueled drama that tried too hard to illicit the desired emotional response from viewers. Fortunately, that was not the case here, as Green delivers an engagingly human narrative which most certainly pulls ones heartstrings while providing some uncomplicated fun in the midst of the convincingly poignant theme, and its ramifications, Rachel’s character encounters. Gorgeously shot underwater cinematography is most assuredly a highlight here, whisking the viewer away to pristine depths of crystal clear vistas even while still providing highly-potent focus on Rachel’s plight and how it is affecting her entire outlook on everything she’s experiencing. It’s a real world tale through and through, with an accompanying music score to further emphasize it’s core moments.
Leemans, with her incredibly stunning eyes and natural beauty, definitely delivers the role of Rachel with absolute fervor and dedication. Giving her a realistic sense of the acute inner and outer conflicts she is facing via past and present love, losses, fears, and hopes, Leemans also infuses Rachel with a playfulness when it comes to her initial times meeting Luca, and it does add that “girly” aspect to proceedings, but not in any unwelcome or distracting way. Her heartfelt, emotional investment showcased as Rachel goes through hard memories and present realities is sincere, which greatly assists the performance. Hentschel’s presence as Luca will surely been interpreted by some as solely eye-candy for the ladies. Seriously, however, the character does fit exceedingly well into the overall plot, as he is given more depth beyond just being a “token hunk”. Truly infatuated with Rachel but genuinely concerned with her state of being, plus helping her face the anxieties and ghosts of the past while giving her new faith and trust in the future, works here. It just does.
Key supporting turns are solidly enacted by Ritterbuck, Andrews, Theodore, and Day, making “The Big Swim” even more than the sum of its parts. It’s not just about coming to terms with the past, present, and future, but moreso a reminder that even with the menacing prospect of cancer and its possible outcomes impending, though unimaginably difficult, it will not be what defines us as a person. Rather, may we see the hope-filled opportunities that life, love, family, and friends provide while embracing the always fleeting chances to simply enjoy being.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
