Swimming Home: A Sensuous and Enigmatic Adaptation of Deborah Levy’s Novel

A Captivating Atmosphere and Haunting Score

Director Justin Anderson establishes an immediately discombobulating atmosphere with gauzy, upended shots of a winding rural road. The haunting score by Greek electronic artist Coti K. adds to the disorienting effect, immersing viewers in the film’s enigmatic world.

Exploring Hothouse Emotional Conflicts

‘Swimming Home’ tells the story of a drifting couple whose tensions are exacerbated by the presence of a free-spirited stranger during their Mediterranean vacation. Set against a backdrop of a long, hot summer, the film delves into hothouse emotional conflicts and offers a familiarly sexy premise.

Enigmatic Motives and Revised Characters

In the film, the motives of the intruder, Kitti, are more enigmatic compared to Levy’s novel. This slight change affects the dramatic impact of the story, leaving audiences intrigued and questioning Kitti’s true intentions.

The script, written by Anderson, revises the historical context of the characters. While in the novel, Josef is a Polish Holocaust survivor, in the film, he is considerably younger with his trauma rooted in the Bosnian War. This revision adds complexity to the characters’ dynamics and allows for audience interpretation.

Missed Opportunities for Intimacy

Despite the promise of sexual tension on the island, the characters in ‘Swimming Home’ remain largely uninvolved. The film humorously portrays the missed opportunities for intimacy, capturing the dry, prickly humor of Levy’s writing. However, even as the story unfolds into tragedy, the film may lack emotional power.

Sensory Pleasures and Elegant Misery

‘Swimming Home’ offers sensory pleasures through its stunning cinematography, costumes, and score. Simos Sarketzis’ cinematography captures the sun-drenched setting and presents the actors’ bodies in alienating close-ups. The citrussy color palette and flooded lighting add to the film’s atmospheric allure. The score, composed by Coti K., merges organic and synthetic sounds, creating a chaotic auditory experience. Oliver Garcia’s costumes subtly convey the class dynamics while allowing the characters to be elegant in their misery.

Conclusion: A Seductive and Enigmatic Adaptation

In conclusion, ‘Swimming Home’ is a seductive and enigmatic adaptation of Deborah Levy’s novel. It captures the sensuous and psychological essence of the story, providing a unique sensory experience for adventurous viewers. While some of the dramatic impact may be lost in translation, the talented cast, stunning cinematography, and intriguing premise make it a compelling watch.