The Swimmer

The Swimmer is a thought-provoking and haunting film that explores the themes of identity, class, and the American Dream. The movie follows the story of Ned Merrill, a middle-aged man who embarks on a journey to swim across his affluent neighborhood, using the backyard pools of his wealthy friends as a means to reach his own home. As Ned navigates his way through the pool-studded landscape, he encounters a cast of characters that reveal the dark underbelly of suburban life. From the wealthy and nudist older couple to the lonely young boy who is fascinated by Ned's eccentric behavior, each encounter reveals the emptiness and superficiality of the world that Ned inhabits. Despite his determination to complete his journey, Ned's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and out of touch with reality. He fails to make meaningful connections with those he meets, preferring instead to cling to his own delusional vision of the world. The film's climax finds Ned fighting with a homeowner over a hot dog cart, a symbol of his own lost identity and sense of purpose. The Swimmer is a powerful commentary on the fragility of human relationships and the corrosive effects of materialism. Through its exploration of the dark side of suburban life, the film offers a haunting vision of the American Dream gone wrong.

The Swimmer is currently unavailable to stream in Singapore on the streaming services we have in our catalogue

Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as The Swimmer include A Day at the Beach, Fists in the Pocket, Five Easy Pieces, Prince, Psychedelic Sex Kicks, Who Saw Him Die?.