Review of Swimming (2000) by Lee M — 04 Jul 2008

Ambrose's character, Frankie, dresses and acts like a woman who's entrenched in middle age without any hope of escaping. She runs the family restaurant with her older brother, Nick (Josh Pais), and she shares their parents' old house with Nick's wife and kids. Frankie's best friend, Nicola (Jennifer Dundas Lowe), apparently keeps her around so she can look more vivacious by comparison.

Frankie's worldview gets rocked when she meets the new waitress Josee (Joelle Carter), a beautiful woman who takes an interest in her without any ulterior motives. Josee's free spirit and disregard of others fascinates Frankie, both of which are nicely illustrated in a scene where Josee leisurely strolls through the crowded restaurant. Soon, they're spending time together, which enrages Nicola and Josee's boyfriend (James Villemaire) and destroys the ruts they've built for themselves. Ambrose is capable of bringing a nuanced, understated style to anything she does, but still showing flashes of strong emotion at times. Unfortunately, Ambrose and Frankie are awash in a rambling story, languid indie-film pacing and editing, and only marginally likable characters. Siegel's deft casting is nothing short of excellent. Ambrose and the rest are so natural in their roles it hurts. There is no scenery chewing or awkward improv, and their craft appears effortless.