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Vindication Swim

Play trailer Poster for Vindication Swim Now Playing 1h 38m Biography History Drama Sports Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 6 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
The true story of Mercedes Gleitze, the first British woman to swim the English Channel. As doubts cast shadows over her triumph, she embarks on a grueling vindication swim, battling the elements and societal pressures in a fight for recognition.
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Critics Reviews

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Kevin Maher The Times (UK) So no, it’s not a good film. Not aesthetically, dramatically, technically. But it got made. So that’s a start. Rated: 1/5 Mar 8, 2024 Full Review Peter Bradshaw Guardian This movie is wearing water wings made of lead. Rated: 2/5 Mar 5, 2024 Full Review Hosea Rupprecht Pauline Media Studies Despite the authenticity of the filmmaking (all the swim footage was shot in the Channel itself without green screens or body doubles), the film falls short of the worthiness of its story. Oct 14, 2025 Full Review Avi Offer NYC Movie Guru A clunky, vapid and contrived biopic that's low on suspense and emotional depth. Oct 13, 2025 Full Review Rachel Wagner Rachel's Reviews (YouTube) a compelling story. I liked it Sep 27, 2025 Full Review Jason Delgado Film Threat The cast does a fine job, and some of the scenic English Channel shots in Vindication Swim are exquisite. Rated: 7/10 Jun 12, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Marcia C This cinematic masterpiece accurately depicts the story of the first British woman to swim the English Channel. The obvious extensive research shines throughout, making me think it really was the 1920s. Since the filming was done from so many angles, especially the swimming parts, a unique perspective transports the viewer into the struggles and effort of an actual English Channel Swim. Bravo to Writer/Director Elliott Hasler! We look forward to many more exceptional films from you! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/28/25 Full Review Stephen C Sports in 1 hour and 38 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/17/25 Full Review Jay S This is a cracking film that shines a light on a forgotten piece of history. With stunning cinematography and a powerhouse lead performance from Callaghan, it perfectly captures the protagonist’s grit and determination. Genuinely an inspiring watch that is beautifully made by the director (who apparently made this between the ages of 19-22!). A must-watch for fans of biopics, sports films and independent cinema. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/31/25 Full Review Scout S What annoyed me was the flatness of the lead's performance and the fact that they may have lied about the other female swimmer. I liked the photography and the choice of B&W and then colour. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/30/25 Full Review angela m We showed this film at our local film club last night to an audience of 60+ and we all enjoyed the film. Simon Hasler, the producer, being local, came to introduce the film and explained how ingenious they were in making this film on such a limited budget, by borrowing and asking for help from all sorts of people. It was beautifully shot and told the story of a remarkable woman who had all but been forgotten, so congratulations to Elliott for highlighting her extraordinary efforts. Definitely worth a watch. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/19/25 Full Review Sue B Great choice of film for our village film night. Fascinating subject filmed locally. Well written and directed by a young local filmmaker. Atmospheric music added drama to the movie. Well worth watching and supporting British films. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/20/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Vindication Swim

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Movie Info

Synopsis The true story of Mercedes Gleitze, the first British woman to swim the English Channel. As doubts cast shadows over her triumph, she embarks on a grueling vindication swim, battling the elements and societal pressures in a fight for recognition.
Director
Elliott Hasler
Producer
Simon Hasler, Sally Wood, Douglas McJannet
Screenwriter
Elliott Hasler, Elliott Hasler
Distributor
Freestyle Releasing
Production Co
Arden Entertainment, Sea High Productions, Picnik Entertainment, Relsah Films, Brilliant Pictures, Warner Bros. De Lane Lea
Genre
Biography, History, Drama, Sports
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 17, 2025, Limited
Runtime
1h 38m