Against the Current (2009)

Against the Current: Directed by Peter Callahan. With Joseph Fiennes, Samantha Sherman, Pell James, Justin Kirk. Struggling with a tragic past, a man with an urgent calling enlists two friends to help him swim the length of the Hudson River.

“This under-the-radar film about a guy who swims a good length of the Hudson River in NY State down to NYC, is one of those warm indie films that deftly balances drama with some humor. No surprise that it snagged actors like Joseph Fiennes, Elizabeth Reaser (adding another fine performance to her growing career since her debut in the great u0026quot;SWEET LANDu0026quot;), Justin Kirk, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Mary Tyler Moore in a notable supporting role.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe reason behind his swim I wonu0026#39;t divulge here, but it makes for some powerful moments. As he swims, his 2 friends go along with him in a guide boat, and they come to shore for breaks, which leads to some great moments in the film. Itu0026#39;s not all on the water. But when it is, itu0026#39;s riveting. As a viewer, I felt like I was swimming right there with him at times.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAnd the swimming scenes show off the wonderful Hudson Valley, and Joseph Fiennes looks like he really…um…took the plunge. Thatu0026#39;s really him in the water. Kudos to the filmmakers who mustu0026#39;ve been on the river an awful lot. (And to the camera people!) Hopefully this film finds its audience in other film festivals and in a future release.”