Netflix viewers in floods of tears at new film 'The Swimmers'

Virgin Radio

2 Dec 2022, 09:45

Netflix viewers are all having the same reaction to the heartwarming new film The Swimmers about Yusra and Sara Mardini.

Based on their incredible true story, the film follows sisters Yusra and Sara who are forced to flee their home in Syria as a result of conflict in the country.

Upon leaving in August 2015, they had to swim the Mediterranean sea as asylum seekers, reaching Lebanon and then Turkey before being smuggled into Greece by boat, only meant for six or seven people, with 18 other migrants.

However, the boat’s motor stopped working and began to take on water in the Aegean Sea, so the two sisters and two other people had to get out and swim alongside for over three hours until they reached land on the Greek island of Lesbos.

Along with the group, Yusra and Sara travelled on foot through Europe before finally settling in Berlin, Germany in September 2015.

Yusra then went on to compete in the Olympic Games in Brazil in 2016.

It’s an incredible story about the sisters, their treacherous journey to safety and their inspirational achievements and it has clearly left a mark on viewers who took to social media to share their thoughts.

One person wrote: “30 mins into watching ‘The Swimmers’ on Netflix & I’m in tears. It’s based on a true story of Syrian sisters who fled war to become refugees & live their dream. There are people living this painful reality every day. Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, the list goes on. We need change.”

Another said: “Just watched #TheSwimmers and I’m absolutely speechless. So many emotions. So many thoughts. So much to unpack. Truly speechless.”

A third tweeted: If you haven’t watched #TheSwimmers on @Netflix, add it to your list now. It’s based on the true story of Syrian sisters who fled war to become refugees and live their dream. Not only an incredible movie but also a subject that is so rarely humanised.”

The Swimmers is available to stream on Netflix now.