I had never heard of Mercedes' story. The early scenes of this film where she stands at the water's edge threw me back to childhood, living next to the shores of the Eynhallow Sound where the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean meet. The scenes prompted memories of submerging under those waters at a young age, never losing my respect for the power of the ocean. I held my breath, chest tightening at the swimming scenes which were fearsome, beautiful and utterly inspiring. Her connection to the sea from childhood and life long love of it coupled with her exceptional physical endurance was powerfully shown. A strong portrayal of the prejudice against and oppression of women at that time was evident throughout the film. An incredible and triumphant story which needed to be told and has inspired me to find out more.
Seeing the film at the wonderfully intimate Electric Palace in Hastings and having the opportunity to be part of a Q and A with the director, producer and John Locke the male lead was an added bonus.
Seeing the film at the wonderfully intimate Electric Palace in Hastings and having the opportunity to be part of a Q and A with the director, producer and John Locke the male lead was an added bonus.