J.J. Abrams has declared Young Woman and the Sea, the biographical film starring Daisy Ridley, as his pick for the best film of 2024. The film, directed by Joachim Rønning, tells the inspiring true story of Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to swim across the English Channel, overcoming enormous challenges and changing the course of history.
The film, initially slated for release on Disney’s streaming platform Disney+, received such positive reactions during test screenings that it was given a limited theatrical release on May 31, 2024.
Praise for Daisy Ridley’s Performance
Abrams, who worked closely with Ridley on Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, was particularly effusive about her performance. He noted, “Of course, it helps to have a lead actress as wildly talented and committed as Daisy Ridley. In her remarkable turn here, Ederle is brought to life as a fully realized character, one imbued with thoughtfulness, strength, and imperfections. Ridley’s performance, under Rønning’s direction, places you squarely in Ederle’s shoes, making her triumphs and struggles feel personal and immediate.”
Director Joachim Rønning’s Skillful Touch
Alongside Ridley’s stellar performance, Abrams also praised Joachim Rønning for his direction of the film. Rønning, known for his work on Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, brought a “deft directorial touch” to the film, according to Abrams. “Rønning’s deft directorial touch enhances the film’s sweeping, sometimes thrilling narrative without overshadowing its emotional core—and all this on a limited budget,” he said. Abrams commended the film’s ability to avoid the pitfalls of excessive sentimentalism or mythologizing, keeping it grounded in its real-life inspiration.
A Tribute to an Extraordinary Woman
In conclusion, Abrams described Young Woman and the Sea as a film that serves as both a tribute to the remarkable Gertrude Ederle and as a demonstration of the enduring power of storytelling. “The result is a biopic that avoids the traps of overly sentimentalizing or excessive mythologizing. Young Woman and the Sea stands as both a tribute to an extraordinary woman and a testament to the enduring power of good old-fashioned storytelling.”
Daisy Ridley’s Evolving Career
Since their work together on the Star Wars sequel trilogy, both Abrams and Ridley have continued to expand their careers with an array of new projects. Abrams has remained a prolific force in Hollywood, serving as a producer on films like Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning and developing new original content under his Bad Robot banner, such as the Demimonde sci-fi series.
Meanwhile, Ridley has successfully transitioned to a wide variety of roles post-Star Wars. Beyond Young Woman and the Sea, she has starred in films like The Marsh King’s Daughter and Sometimes I Think About Dying, broadening her range and showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Ridley’s Upcoming Role in Cleaner
Looking ahead, Ridley is set to star in Cleaner, an action-packed thriller scheduled for theatrical release on February 21, 2025. In the film, she plays Joey Locke, an ex-soldier-turned-window cleaner who becomes an unexpected hero when activists take hostages during a gala at London’s Shard skyscraper. Directed by Martin Campbell, known for his work on Casino Royale and GoldenEye, Cleaner also stars Clive Owen and Taz Skylar. Produced by Cindy Cowan, the film is one to watch in 2025.
Final Thoughts
As Young Woman and the Sea continues to make waves with its heartfelt storytelling and standout performances, it’s clear that Daisy Ridley and J.J. Abrams are both continuing to evolve as creative forces in Hollywood. With Cleaner on the horizon and more exciting projects on the way, it’s clear that Ridley’s career is far from slowing down.
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