TIFF 2024: The Swedish Torpedo (With Movie Trailer in Swedish)

The Swedish Torpedo: An Epic Swim Against All Odds at TIFF 2024

Get ready to dive into a beautifully textured period drama that celebrates courage, perseverance, and one woman’s extraordinary quest to conquer the English Channel. The Swedish Torpedo, directed by Frida Kempff, tells the incredible true story of Sally Bauer, a Swedish mother and long-distance swimmer whose dreams clash with the looming threat of World War II.

The Story: Sally Bauer’s Determined Swim

Set in the late 1930s, The Swedish Torpedo follows Sally Bauer (played by Josefin Neldén), a single mother from Helsingborg, Sweden, with one goal: to become the first Scandinavian woman to swim the English Channel. It’s no small feat, as this grueling swim means battling frigid waters, turbulent waves, and the ticking clock of war approaching Europe. But for Sally, it’s not just about making history — it’s about proving to herself and the world that she can overcome any obstacle, personal or physical.

As a single mother, Bauer faces judgment and financial struggles, all while preparing for the challenge of her life. She’s forced to confront both external and internal battles, from finding sponsors to reckoning with her unresolved feelings for her son’s father, a married sports reporter.

The film captures the intensity of Sally’s journey — not just the physical endurance but also the emotional toll it takes as she pushes herself to the limit in a time of growing global unrest.

Why You’ll Love The Swedish Torpedo:

• An Inspirational True Story: Sally Bauer’s historic swim is a testament to human endurance and the strength of the human spirit. If you love stories about resilience and women pushing boundaries, this is the film for you.
• Beautiful Cinematography: Director Frida Kempff delivers breathtaking shots of the icy waters and dramatic landscapes, immersing viewers in the physical and emotional terrain of Sally’s journey.
• A Complex Lead Character: Josefin Neldén brings depth and tenacity to her portrayal of Bauer, showing a woman not just driven by ambition but by love, fear, and the need to prove something to herself and the world.

Why It Stands Out at TIFF 2024

Frida Kempff’s The Swedish Torpedo isn’t just a sports biopic. It’s a rich, character-driven drama set against the backdrop of a world on the brink of war. The film explores themes of motherhood, love, and sacrifice — all while offering nail-biting tension as Sally faces the ultimate challenge in the water. Kempff’s direction, combined with a stellar performance from Neldén, makes this an absolute must-watch at TIFF 2024.

Catch The Swedish Torpedo at TIFF 2024:

• Friday, September 6 – 9:40 pm at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
• Thursday, September 12 – 2:50 pm at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
• Friday, September 13 – 3:45 pm at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
• Saturday, September 14 – 8:35 am at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

Ready to dive into Sally Bauer’s incredible story? Don’t miss The Swedish Torpedo at TIFF 2024 — a film about strength, heart, and pushing beyond the limits.

References:

• https://www.tiff.net/events/the-swedish-torpedo
• https://www.screendaily.com/news/urban-sales-dives-into-frida-kempffs-tiff-premiere-the-swedish-torpedo-exclusive/5196153.article?referrer=RSS
• https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9861200/