Sink or Swim | 2018

Main Plot

Sink or Swim follows the journey of Bertrand, a man struggling with depression and a sense of aimlessness in his middle age. Searching for meaning and camaraderie, he unexpectedly finds himself joining an all-male synchronized swimming team at the local pool. As he trains alongside a group of equally disillusioned men, each facing their own personal challenges, the team forms a unique bond through their shared vulnerability and offbeat ambition. Together, they navigate the awkwardness and humor of mastering a sport typically reserved for women, all while confronting their insecurities and supporting one another. As their confidence grows, the group sets its sights on competing in an international competition, discovering renewed purpose and friendship along the way. Sink or Swim is a heartfelt comedy about unlikely friendships, personal growth, and the courage to take a plunge into something new, no matter your age.

Characters

• Mathieu Amalric plays Bertrand, a man grappling with depression who finds unexpected purpose in a local men's synchronized swimming team. His journey is marked by self-doubt and the search for connection amidst personal turmoil.
• Guillaume Canet portrays Laurent, a competitive teammate whose ambition both motivates and strains the group's fragile unity. His struggle to balance pride with vulnerability becomes central to the team's dynamic.
• Benoît Poelvoorde appears as Marcus, a member whose personal failures weigh heavily on his confidence in and out of the pool. As the team faces setbacks, Marcus must confront his own insecurities to support his friends.

Ending Explained

As Sink or Swim reaches its conclusion, the team of middle-aged men, once united only by their shared struggles and sense of inadequacy, come together to compete in an international synchronized swimming competition. Despite their unconventional backgrounds and initial lack of skill, their hard work and camaraderie pay off as they deliver a heartfelt and surprisingly graceful performance. The competition itself becomes less about winning and more about personal triumph and solidarity. The main character, who began the journey deeply depressed and disconnected from his life, finds renewed purpose and self-worth through the friendships and collective achievements of the team. The film closes with the men celebrating their accomplishment, not just as athletes but as individuals who have overcome personal obstacles and formed genuine bonds. Their journey in the pool becomes a metaphor for their emotional growth, showing that it’s never too late to find meaning, connection, and joy. The ending is uplifting, emphasizing transformation, acceptance, and the enduring power of friendship.