There are classic stories that are told time and time again in cinema, and one of which is that of the sports underdog. We’ve had Rocky, Chariots of Fire, Cool Runnings and more, and Depression-era drama Boys in the Boat slots nicely into that category. Directed by George Clooney and based upon the 2013 non-fiction book of the same name, the plot follows working class engineering student Joe Rantz (Callum Turner) as he struggles to stay on top of tuition payments at the University of Washington. Encouraged by his classmate Roger (Sam Strike), the pair sign up for the school’s rowing team in the hope of earning some extra money and they embark on an unlikely trail to compete at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin.
Working with a relatively well-worn type of narrative, the director smartly leans into the production detail and captures the post-WWII period very well. Like the polish lovingly applied to the team’s vessel by wise and accomplished boatmaker George Pocock, there’s a slick sheen to the film’s aesthetic that casts the cinematography in a golden glow. This visual style enhances the innocence and wholesomeness of the characters and their motivations, all blissfully unaware of the tragic chapter of history looming in Europe; scenes in Germany of course allude to this, but Clooney doesn’t let this detract from the uplifting story he’s telling.
Whether in moments of competition or in the genre’s tropey training montages, sequences shot on the water are brilliantly constructed; sharp editing and Alexandre Desplat’s stirring string-led score lend genuine tension and emotional suspense, perhaps even for audiences that may be well aware of the actual events.
A stellar cast are pulled together for the piece, and Callum Turner holds his own in the mild-mannered leading role that’s relatively light on dialogue. There’s minimal conflict in Mark L. Smith’s script and yet the actor navigates Joe’s path with aplomb; troubled and brooding in a subplot focusing on his absentee father and just the right amount of charming in his blossoming romance with college sweetheart Joyce, brilliantly portrayed by Hadley Robinson who has been stealing scenes in her supporting performances of late. EastEnders alumni Sam Strike impresses as Joe’s cheeky chap companion Roger, warmly embodying the camaraderie within the tightknit group of rowers, and Joel Edgerton brings gravitas to the part of the team’s curmudgeon coach, Al Ulbrickson.
A traditional tale told with class and flair by George Clooney, this old fashioned picture does for eight-man rowing what Whiplash did for jazz drumming. With endearing characters and carefully engineered storytelling, we’re led to become emotionally invested in the team’s tireless efforts and The Boys in the Boat is a rousing gold medal triumph.
Cinema Perspective 