SWIMMING WITH MEN

Cert Running time

Dip a big toe into the feelgood waters of this very British comedy. Rob Brydon plays an accountant whose midlife crisis sees him leave his wife and teenage son, and seek refuge in the arms of a synchronised swimming team comprised of middle-aged men.

Brought together by the pointlessness of existence, they find themselves unexpectedly competing in the unofficial world championship in Milan.

It’s kept afloat on bubbles of charm by the likeable and familiar cast, which includes Jane ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ Horrocks, Downton’s garrulous Jim Carter, and This Is England’s Thomas Turgoose.

Best in show is Charlotte Riley as the team’s instructor, whose drill sergeant manner is all the more ferocious because she uses her native Teesside accent.

Oliver Parker’s direction keeps everything fluid, and it’s played in the same tone as his previous work such as Dad’s Army and Johnny English Reborn.

So the movie’s heart is always in the right place, even if the chaps’ arms and legs frequently aren’t.