Summary
Disney’s latest film,Young Woman and the Sea,stars Daisy Ridley as Gertrude (Trudy) Ederle.Young Woman and the Seais aheartfelt, genuine biopicabout a daring swimmer who strives to swim across the English Channel. The movie includes many thrilling moments, from Trudy telling her family about her goal to actually achieving it. Not to mention, Ridley provides a stellar performance that truly makes the audience root for Trudy as she overcomes many obstacles to swim across the English Channel. Thus,themovie is undoubtedly a must-watch.
AlthoughYoung Woman and the Seachanges parts of Trudy Ederle’s true story, the film does justice to her narrative. Audiences were able to see this play out when it was released. In fact, the film earned an85% score on Rotten Tomatoes because of how well it showcased Ederle’s story. Now that the film is no longer in theaters, more viewers can watch and appreciate the movie on a popular streaming platform.
Young Woman And The Sea Ending Explained
Young Woman and the Sea ends with Trudy Ederle’s triumphant swim. Based on a true story, we break down the biopic’s biggest moments from the ending.
Young Woman And The Sea Is Now Streaming On Disney+
The Movie Has Found A New Home
After being released to theaters on May 31st, 2024, to coincide with the Summer Paris Olympics, the film was brought to audiences to tell Ederle’s story. Even when the film premiered,Daisy Ridley honored Trudy Ederle’s story on the red carpet.Now, thefilm is streaming on Disney+.Given that Disney distributed the company, it is no wonder the film is now on its streaming platform. Now, audiences can enjoy and take in Ederle’s story right from their homes.
Other sports movies on Disney+ includeSecretariatandThe Greatest Game Ever Played, both of which were made by the Disney production company itself.
Young Woman And The Sea Was Originally A Disney+ Exclusive
The Movie Was Meant To Be There All Along
Like many other Disney movies,Young Woman and the Seawas initially meant to stream only on Disney+. However,the company thought atheatrical release around the same time as the Paris Olympics would help the film’s success.Hence, audiences were able to watchGertrude Ederle’s real-life storyon the big screen for a limited time before they could do so at home.
Many women werelooked down upon for even thinking about trying to be an Olympic champion or swimming across the English Channel during this time. Ederle proved women can actually do both.
Disney’s decision to release the moviearound the Summer Olympics is an excellent tribute to Trudy Ederle. This excellence is especially true because ofYoung Woman and the Sea’s 1920s feministthemes. Many women werelooked down upon for even thinking about trying to be an Olympic champion or swimming across the English Channel during this time. Ederle proved women can actually do both. Perhaps she may have even inspired many current women in the Olympics, making the timing of the film’s release even better.
Young Woman And The Sea Can Now Find Success On Disney+
The Film’s New Accessibility Is Promising
Trudy Ederle swam the English Channel on July 14, 2025, taking a total of 14 hours and 34 minutes.
The movie’s success is highly deserved, asYoung Woman and the Seais a story that needs to be told. There are numerous movies about men in sports overcoming obstacles to achieve their goals. However, due to societal norms throughout history, there are even more drawbacks that women must face when trying to be successful in sports. Therefore, astory like Trudy Ederle’s is crucial for audiences to bear witness to.They will then understand not only how significant her success in swimming is, but also how it has helped pave the way for many women in sports today.
Young Woman and the Seahas had an interesting history since its initial release. However, what is truly fascinating is Trudy Ederle’s story and how she overcame her obstacles to be a female Olympic swimmer and the first woman to swim across the English Channel. Given that Disney has released several intriguing sports movies before, there surely will be more in the company’s future. Even then,Young Woman and the Seawill undoubtedly stand out.
Young Woman and the Sea
Cast
Daisy Ridley stars as the accomplished swimmer who was born to immigrant parents in New York City in 1905. Through the steadfast support of her older sister and supportive trainers, she overcame adversity and the animosity of a patriarchal society to rise through the ranks of the Olympic swimming team and complete the staggering achievement – a 21-mile trek from France to England.
