Young Woman and the Sea 2024

Movie · 129 min · English · May 16, 2024

Directed by Joachim RønningWritten by Jeff Nathanson

Starring Daisy Ridley, Olive Abercrombie, Christopher Eccleston, Stephen Graham, Tilda Cobham-Hervey

A 2024 American biographical sports drama film, Young Woman and the Sea was directed by Joachim Rønning and written by Jeff Nathanson, adapting a 2009 book by Glenn Stout. The movie was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films, with Daisy Ridley portraying Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to cross the English Channel by swimming. Supporting cast members include Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Stephen Graham, Kim Bodnia, Christopher Eccleston, and Glenn Fleshler.

Work on the film started in 2015 when producer Jerry Bruckheimer bought the rights to the book and formed a deal with Paramount Pictures. At that time, Nathanson was attached to write it, and Lily James was cast as Ederle. Paramount later placed the project in turnaround. In 2020, Walt Disney Pictures picked up the film, with Ridley set to play Ederle and Rønning chosen to direct. Principal filming occurred from May through June 2022.

The film made its debut at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles on May 16, 2024. It was initially scheduled for release via Disney’s streaming platform Disney+, but a limited theatrical release followed after favorable test screenings in the U.S. on May 31, 2024. Critics responded positively to the film.