Swimming with Men is a 2018 British comedy film starring Rob Brydon, Jane Horrocks, Rupert Graves, Daniel Mays, Thomas Turgoose, Jim Carter, Adeel Akhtar and Charlotte Riley. It was directed by Oliver Parker.

Inspired by the 2010 documentary, Men Who Swim, SWIMMING WITH MEN tells the story of Eric (Rob Brydon), an accountant in the throes of a mid-life crisis, who eventually finds new meaning to his life as part of an all-male, middle-aged amateur synchronised swimming team. The ramshackle squad slowly learn to reveal their inner lives, as well as their paunches and together they make a bid to compete at the Unofficial Male Synch-Swimming World Championships.

With a talented British cast that includes Jane Horrocks (Absolutely Fabulous), Rupert Graves (TV’s Sherlock) and Charlotte Riley (Peaky Blinders) SWIMMING WITH MEN is a delightful comedy that tips its (swimming) cap at beloved British films such as The Full Monty and Calendar Girls.

Swimming with Men Preview Screening
Dendy Portside and Dendy Coorparoo
Wednesday March 20th at 10am
www.dendy.com.au

The film’s numerous faults mostly lie in the script. It’s so by the numbers, it seem Saunders wrote it in her sleep. But this misses the film’s main appeal, that of getting to hang out with Eddy and Patsy again. Saunders’ success in roping in most of the original actors from the multiple seasons of the television show also adds to the appeal. The well-chosen cameos are just icing on the cake.

The story revolves around Kate Moss; copious quantities of mind-altering substances, parties and well, that’s about it. There is no real character enlightenment and everyone seems little changed from the years since the show’s last run. Even being the feature length film that it is, it plays out more like an extended telly movie.

All these criticisms aside though, the film is just a fun trip down memory lane and keeping all the player’s narcissistic tendencies and selfish behaviours intact is the way it should be. Because who really wants to see a kinder and more mature Ab Fab?

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/abfabmovie