Young Woman and the Sea
The story of competitive swimmer Gertrude Ederle, who, in 1926, was the first woman to ever swim across the English Channel.
The film box office disappointment against its mid-range budget of $40.0M, earning $582K globally (-99% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its unique voice within the biography genre.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Young Trudy Ederle, partially deaf from childhood measles, lives in early 1900s New York where girls are not expected to swim or pursue athletics. The Ederle family, German immigrants, runs a butcher shop in Manhattan.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 12 minutes when Trudy discovers her extraordinary talent for swimming and learns about the possibility of competing at the Olympic level. Charlotte Epstein sees her potential and invites her to train seriously with the Women's Swimming Association.. At 10% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 25 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 21% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Trudy makes the active decision to compete in the 1924 Paris Olympics, fully committing to becoming a world-class competitive swimmer. She enters the new world of international athletic competition., moving from reaction to action.
At 49 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 41% of the runtime—significantly early, compressing the first half. Notably, this crucial beat False victory: Trudy decides to attempt the English Channel crossing, something no woman has ever accomplished. The stakes raise enormously - this is bigger than Olympic medals. She commits to the historic attempt, raising public attention and pressure., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 75 minutes (62% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, The failure of the first Channel crossing attempt. Trudy is pulled from the water by her coach against her will. Her dream appears dead, critics say women cannot do it, and she faces crushing disappointment and public ridicule. The "whiff of death" - her dream and reputation seem destroyed., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 80 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 67% of the runtime. Trudy has the realization that she must try again, but on her own terms with a new coach (Bill Burgess). She synthesizes her Olympic training, the lessons from failure, and her inner determination. She chooses to attempt the Channel crossing again in 1926, taking control of her destiny., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Young Woman and the Sea's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Young Woman and the Sea against these established plot points, we can identify how the filmmaker utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Young Woman and the Sea within the biography genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional biography films include Lords of Dogtown, Ip Man 2 and A Complete Unknown.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Young Trudy Ederle, partially deaf from childhood measles, lives in early 1900s New York where girls are not expected to swim or pursue athletics. The Ederle family, German immigrants, runs a butcher shop in Manhattan.
Theme
Henry Ederle (Trudy's father) or Charlotte Epstein states the theme: women are just as capable as men, or that limitations are meant to be challenged. The film explores breaking societal barriers and proving doubters wrong.
Worldbuilding
Establishes 1910s-1920s New York, the Ederle family dynamics, Trudy's partial deafness, societal restrictions on women's athletics. Introduction of sister Margaret, the Women's Swimming Association, and early swimming lessons. Shows the world of competitive swimming emerging for women.
Disruption
Trudy discovers her extraordinary talent for swimming and learns about the possibility of competing at the Olympic level. Charlotte Epstein sees her potential and invites her to train seriously with the Women's Swimming Association.
Resistance
Trudy debates whether to pursue competitive swimming against family concerns and societal pressure. Training montages show her development. Charlotte Epstein mentors her. Discussion of the 1924 Paris Olympics opportunity. Trudy must decide if she's willing to defy conventions.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Trudy makes the active decision to compete in the 1924 Paris Olympics, fully committing to becoming a world-class competitive swimmer. She enters the new world of international athletic competition.
Mirror World
At the Olympics or in the competitive swimming world, Trudy forms relationships with fellow female athletes who embody the theme of women's empowerment and capability. These relationships reinforce what she's fighting for beyond personal glory.
Premise
The "fun and games" of Olympic competition. Trudy competes in Paris, wins gold and bronze medals, experiences the thrill of victory, gains international recognition. She becomes a celebrated athlete, proving women can compete at the highest levels. The promise of the premise: watching Trudy excel in swimming.
Midpoint
False victory: Trudy decides to attempt the English Channel crossing, something no woman has ever accomplished. The stakes raise enormously - this is bigger than Olympic medals. She commits to the historic attempt, raising public attention and pressure.
Opposition
Preparation for the first Channel attempt (1925). Training intensifies with coach Jabez Wolffe. Skeptics and critics doubt a woman can complete the crossing. Physical and mental challenges mount. The first attempt begins but Wolffe prematurely pulls her from the water, claiming she's failing - but Trudy believes she could have finished. Public humiliation and doubt follow.
Collapse
The failure of the first Channel crossing attempt. Trudy is pulled from the water by her coach against her will. Her dream appears dead, critics say women cannot do it, and she faces crushing disappointment and public ridicule. The "whiff of death" - her dream and reputation seem destroyed.
Crisis
Trudy's dark night of the soul. She processes the failure, faces doubts about her abilities, and confronts the possibility of giving up. Family and supporters rally around her. She must decide whether to let others define her limits or try again.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Trudy has the realization that she must try again, but on her own terms with a new coach (Bill Burgess). She synthesizes her Olympic training, the lessons from failure, and her inner determination. She chooses to attempt the Channel crossing again in 1926, taking control of her destiny.
Synthesis
The historic 1926 English Channel crossing. Trudy battles 14+ hours of brutal conditions: jellyfish stings, exhaustion, rough waters, cold. She draws on everything she's learned, refuses to quit when urged, sings to keep herself going. Her support team on the boat encourages her. She fights through pain and doubt, demonstrating extraordinary perseverance. The crossing of the finish - she reaches the English shore.
Transformation
Trudy receives a massive ticker-tape parade in New York City, larger than Lindbergh's. She stands as proof that women can achieve the impossible. The closing image mirrors the opening but shows transformation: from a girl limited by society's expectations to a woman who shattered barriers and inspired a generation. She has become a symbol of women's capability and determination.