The Boys in The Boat (12A)

Joel Edgerton coaches a group of rowing underdogs at the height of the Great Depression in this inspirational true-story sporting drama from George Clooney.

In 1936 Seattle, impoverished-orphan Joe is convinced by his friend Roger to join the rowing team to help fund his university studies. Discovering a natural talent for the sport, he is soon under the watchful eye of Coach Ulbrickson (Edgerton) who is determined to transform the squad into world-class winners. Thrust into the spotlight, they take on elite rivals from around the USA, and then the world, as they bid for ultimate glory at the Berlin Olympics.

Based on Daniel James Brown’s book of the same name, it’s a straight-forward, no-nonsense take on their journey. Performances from the sharp ensemble cast are earthy and natural, anchored by Callum Turner as Joe. He's compelling as a young man with identity issues and determination to be the best. It's Joe's perspective that holds the interest, as a guy who raised himself and made it to university against the odds, succeeding at something he stumbles into. While a touch formulaic at points, slick production design and some genuinely riveting racing sequences make this a safe but ultimately enjoyable retelling.