The Swimmers Plot Synopsis
The Swimmers follows two sisters trying to chase their dreams in war-torn Syria. Yusra has big dreams to be an Olympic gold medalist but her swimming goes up in flames when the country comes under attack. Yusra and her sister, Rania, are determined to save their country and their dreams. They use all of their strength and courage to swim through the dangerous waters of Syria, risking everything for their loved ones.
Sara and Yusra’s father agree to send them out to Germany in a bid to find refuge and salvation. With Nizra as their guide and confidant, the two girls set out, across perilous seas, trusting shady traffickers all the way in the hopes of making it to Germany.
For Yusra, the real fight for freedom begins as she attempts to make a new life for herself. Of course, that means she has to go back to swimming and attempting to make it into the bigtime. But is that a step too far for her?
Do the sisters make it to Germany?
Eventually, they make it to Germany. They decide against getting in the same truck as the other refugees they made the journey with, thanks to a shady man attempting to rape Yusra just prior to this. As a result, Sara, Yusra and Nizar try their luck with marching alongside the other refugees for a way into Germany, having earlier seen news reports about this.
Nizar has managed to get the girls a bus ride into Berlin, without needing tickets. While they are dubious at first, they go along with it and make it into Germany. ..
Does Yusra compete at the Olympics?
Syria’s refugee crisis has been making headlines for the past few months, with bombings and shootings happening almost daily. But for Yusra, who is registered at a refugee center, her dream of becoming an Olympic swimmer only intensifies when she gets registered. While Sara focuses more on helping others, especially given the news about bombings intensifying in Syria, Yusra instead focuses on her swimming.
Yusra, a Syrian refugee, finds a swimming club and approaches the coach, Sven. Impressive times lead Sven to offer her a spot on the Refugee Olympic Team. Although hesitant at first, Yusra is inspired by words of encouragement from Sara and Nizar. She trains hard to be part of the team and becomes one of its stars. Although people may “feel sorry for” her, Yusra is determined to represent her country and achieve her dreams. ..
Yusra heads to Rio, where she overhears other athletes bemoaning her lack of effort and how she’s just there for a sympathy gesture, unaware of Yusra’s heroic swim efforts earlier in the movie. Yusra soon shuts her doubters up though, outperforming everyone else and winning her heat.
How does The Swimmers end?
Nizar’s story is less heartwarming, but it is more harrowing. He realizes he’s stuck in a never-ending hell and can’t get a job without a work permit. The only way to get that is to sit and wait in the refugee center. He is essentially the caged bird and as we leave things, it’s unclear whether the door will be opened for him.
As the sun begins to set, Sara and Yusra reconvene with the former deciding to help other refugees and Yusra continuing her Olympic dreams. The pair run into the water as the sun begins to set and start laughing together.
The girls’ reunion in the water is a powerful symbol of their journey from anger and fear to peace. ..
What’s the true story? What really happened?
Since the beginning of the year, more than 1,500 people have died in the Mediterranean Sea as a result of boat accidents and other causes. This is an increase of more than 50 percent from last year. The European Union has been struggling to find a solution to the crisis, with member states struggling to share responsibility for migrants and provide enough resources.
Yusra is a refugee who currently lives in Hamburg, Germany. She was part of the Refugee Olympics Team and won against four other women in the Rio Olympics. Thankfully, Yusra and Sara’s parents managed to escape Syria and live with her. She continues to excel at swimming and is an inspiration and a voice for refugees across the world.
Sara, a colleague of mine, ended up working to rescue refugees in Lesbos. In 2018, she was charged along with several other colleagues under smuggling charges and could well face 20 years in prison if found guilty.
The film ends with a sobering note. Since 2011, 5.7 million Syrians have become refugees. There are over 30 million refugees worldwide, and half of them are under the age of 18.
The Swimmers is a gripping and suspenseful film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The acting is top-notch, and the story is well-told. If you’re looking for a movie that will keep you entertained, The Swimmers is definitely worth checking out. ..
