Swimming with Men

In 2010, the documentary Men Who Swim focused on a group of middle-aged men who found success as Sweden's all-male synchronised swim team, and their story has inspired a new comedy which has been given a British twist.

Rob Brydon plays Eric, an accountant who is having something of a midlife crisis and has convinced himself that his wife Heather (Jane Horrocks) is having an affair with her boss so moves out of the family home. He seeks solace in his regular evening swim and it's there that he meets an all-male amateur synchronised swimming group, who suggests he join to even out their numbers.

The team - comprised of the likes of Daniel Mays, Thomas Turgoose, Jim Carter and Adeel Akhtar - meet up once a week to practice and help find meaning in life, but their hobby soon gets serious once they hear about an all-male synchronised swimming championship.

Guided by swimming coach Susan (Charlotte Riley), the men work hard to get in competitive shape and nail their aquatic routines in time for the showdown in Milan, Italy, while Eric begins to reassess what's important in his life.

Brydon may be pegged as the lead, but it really is an ensemble piece, with each actor bringing something to the table. There are a lot of different, well-defined characters in the bunch which provides great opportunity for comedy.

The chemistry between them is excellent and they seem to be having fun with it so, as a result, you have fun along with them. They are a lovable bunch of misfits of all shapes and sizes, spending most of their screen time in tiny trunks, which means you can't help but get behind them and cheer them on all the way.

The script is hilarious but these comedic talents drive the jokes home even more, providing many laugh out loud moments. Their rehearsal scenes and training montages are ace and their choreographed routines are a joy to behold.

Swimming with Men is an unusual and interesting film that will lift you up and leave you with a smile on your face.