"Daisy Ridley truly immersed herself in the role, braving the depths as we filmed relentlessly for weeks," enthused director Joachim Rønning about the film's leading lady. When Ridley embarked on 'The Young Woman and the Sea,' a cinematic adaptation rooted in the remarkable tale of American swimmer Trudy Ederle's historic quest to conquer the English Channel as the first female swimmer, she had already secured her place as the film's star. However, an additional accolade awaited her down the line.
"Initially, I wasn't an executive producer," Ridley disclosed to Yahoo Entertainment, speaking of the Disney film, which draws inspiration from the eponymous book set for a limited theatrical release on May 31. "The journey to that title actually began with some script notes I had in mind."
These notes delved deep into the bond between Trudy and her sister, Meg (played by Tilda Cobham-Hervey), both avid swimmers in 1920s New York and daughters of German immigrants who found solace in America post-World War I. "I was driven to amplify the sisterly connection," Ridley elaborated, yearning to paint a vivid portrait of immigrant life during that era while strengthening the narrative thread between the two protagonists. "There were nuances I felt the script lacked, particularly in showcasing their relationship. It all started with a heartfelt conversation about how I envisioned their bond translating on screen."
What could have been framed as a fierce competition between two gifted siblings transformed into a heartwarming tale of love and mutual support, emphasizing their unwavering encouragement for each other's aspirations, rather than a relentless race to victory. It's also a triumphant narrative of a woman defying odds in a male-dominated arena, proving her mettle and setting a milestone in the world of sports.
