Swimming with Men
IFC Films | Release Date: December 7, 2018 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
44
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 11 Critic Reviews
Positive:
1
Mixed:
8
Negative:
2
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
75
Movie NationRoger MooreNov 18, 2018
“Swimming” wears its “Full Monty” ambitions (it isn’t on that level, but its funny enough) on its trunks, with the flippant banter and blend of melancholy sentimentality and sight gag silliness. It even uses a Tom Jones anthem for its “big finish.” Yeah, there’s an “informal world championships” for men who do this. No, seriously. Read full review
60
The TelegraphTim RobeyDec 6, 2018
From top to bottom, it’s Brydon’s film, and his performance matches the modesty of the surroundings: rarely pushing too hard, he finds just the right groove as a browbeaten Everyman lacking spring in his step (or dash in his breaststroke). Read full review
60
The GuardianPeter BradshawDec 6, 2018
This film floats, but, like a synchro-swimmer doing the “egg beater” leg movement, it needs a fair bit of strenuous activity to keep it upright. Read full review
60
The New York TimesTeo BugbeeDec 6, 2018
Although the film has no grand cinematic ambitions, its unsensationalized focus on these aging bodies invites welcome kindness. Read full review
50
ObserverRex ReedDec 10, 2018
Swimming with Men doesn’t tackle the plight of middle-age in any relevant new way, but even though it’s not a great film, it’s not a waste of time. Oddly enough, it’s been playing on airplanes for months. Catch it now, on dry land, before they empty the pool. Read full review
50
RogerEbert.comSheila O'MalleyDec 7, 2018
A gentle low-key comedy. Read full review
50
Screen DailyWendy IdeDec 6, 2018
This latest in the ‘personal growth through gentle humiliation’ genre is amiable enough, but does suffer from the over-familiarity of themes and plot-points. Read full review
40
EmpireLiz BeardsworthDec 6, 2018
Despite a strong cast, promising premise and a timely attempt to explore male neurosis, Swimming With Men is let down by slight characterisation, by-the-numbers plotting and heavy-handed jokes that desperately need arm bands. Read full review
40
The Observer (UK)Simran HansDec 6, 2018
Based on the true story of a group of Swedish men who competed in the synchronised swimming world championship, Swimming With Men is reminiscent of The Full Monty, its feelgood climax landing with a welcome, if gentle, splash. Read full review
30
Los Angeles TimesMichael RechtshaffenDec 6, 2018
Oliver Parker’s Swimming with Men is a lazily formulaic male-bonding comedy. Read full review
30
The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckDec 5, 2018
Aiming for charm but instead coming across as hopelessly forced, Swimming With Men barely manages to stay afloat. Read full review
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