The Boys in the Boat (2023)
The Boys in the Boat is a classic underdog story powered by the oars of a rowing team from Washington University during the Great Depression. They defy odds, poverty, and personal demons on their way to fight for Olympic gold in Hitler’s Berlin in 1936. George Clooney, as director, steers this true story with a very firm hand; however, while it does strike all the right thematic chords, it often feels like an old crew shell that has never broken through the water with any artfulness or subtlety.
The story itself is really inspiring. Joe was suffering from his own demons on the one hand, and his teammates were fighting their own internal wars on the other. The backdrop of the Great Depression adds grit and texture, while Nazi Germany’s dark shadow casts an ominous shade over the narrative. Nevertheless, the script relies too much on clichés that are familiar—from torturous training montages to predictable run-ins with authority figures. It’s all there, but instead of being emotionally resonant, it seems far away from the sports dramas you have probably already heard about or seen.
There is decent acting in it, though; Callum Turner perfectly brings out Joe’s internal conflicts. However, other cast members get lost in the shuffle, and their individual stories become nothing more than passing glimpses with no background development whatsoever. Joel Edgerton plays Coach Al Ulbrickson, who is gruff yet supportive; even so, he too comes across as just another archetype rather than a well-developed character.
Clooney’s work behind the camera is competent, yet it lacks the stylishness or emotional depth necessary to take this film to another level. As far as cinematography goes, it does capture the beauty of the Pacific North-West and the intensity during rowing sequences, but the overall visual style seems tired and somehow doesn’t allow this movie to fully communicate its themes on screen.
The score is fine but easily forgettable, such that it does not support any emotional climax that might have lifted up the film’s dramatic arcs. While editing is competent, sometimes it feels very choppy, thereby interrupting the flow of the story.
Despite having its shortcomings, The Boys in the Boat has several good aspects. What is undeniably inspirational is the team’s sheer determination, which may be considered an irreplaceable quality of a sports movie, and even when executed poorly in this case, the film’s message of hope and perseverance still resonates. Historical context gives more depth to this story and weight, plus the last race is so thrilling, capturing all the energy and gracefulness of sports.
The Boys in the Boat is a competent but pretty ordinary film. It is a mild row in familiar waters that lacks enough depth or originality to captivate viewers. It may be good for a light-hearted trip to the cinema, but not much more. If you’re yearning for a sports feel-good movie with a historical outlook, then The Boys in the Boat might deliver it to you; however, if you are looking for something deeper than that or anything else rather than just another cliche sports drama, think twice before considering this one.
(In cinemas — check your local movie guide for show times.)