Stephen Graham has delivered plenty of memorable performances, from the emotionally devastating role of a grieving father in Adolescence to his heartbreaking appearance in the care home drama Help. But one of his most uplifting screen roles can be found in a film inspired by a remarkable true story.

Young Woman And The Sea, which first arrived in cinemas in 2024, tells the extraordinary story of Trudy Ederle, the pioneering swimmer who became the first woman to cross the English Channel. Starring Daisy Ridley alongside Graham, the biographical drama follows a young woman determined to make history in the face of sexism, health struggles and repeated setbacks.

The result is an inspiring story of courage, perseverance and the people who help others achieve what once seemed impossible. With Graham bringing warmth and character to the role of swimming mentor Bill Burgess, the film is an uplifting choice for anyone looking for a moving drama to watch tonight.

What Is Young Woman And The Sea About?

Set in the early 20th century, Young Woman And The Sea follows Trudy Ederle, played by Daisy Ridley, who was born in New York City in 1905 to immigrant parents. Growing up in an era when women were discouraged from competing in sports, Trudy faced considerable barriers long before she attempted one of swimming’s greatest challenges.

Her journey began in part because of her mother, Gertrude, played by Jeanette Hain. After learning about a ferry disaster in which hundreds of women died because they could not swim, Gertrude became determined to ensure her daughter learned the skill. Her encouragement proved especially significant given that Trudy had suffered a severe bout of measles as a child.

Trudy soon demonstrated a natural talent for swimming. Her abilities eventually earned her a place on the American Olympic swimming team for the 1924 Paris Games, where she impressed spectators and won medals. Yet Olympic success was not the limit of her ambitions.

She set her sights on swimming across the English Channel, a demanding undertaking that would test her physical endurance and determination.

Her first attempt ended in failure. Trudy also found herself at odds with her strict coach, Jabez Wolffe, played by Christopher Eccleston. When Wolffe insisted that she be taken out of the water, she protested that she could keep going, but her pleas were not enough to change his decision.

Rather than abandon her ambition, Trudy decided to try again.

This time, she turned to Bill Burgess, portrayed by Stephen Graham, whose supportive approach helped her prepare for another attempt. Burgess knew the difficulties of the challenge firsthand: he had successfully crossed the Channel’s 21-mile stretch in 1911, after several unsuccessful attempts of his own.

Burgess is also presented as an eccentric character with a free-spirited attitude. His unconventional habits extend to swimming, which he enjoys doing in the nude.

With his encouragement and her own determination, Trudy faces the powerful tides and unpredictable currents once more, pursuing a feat that would secure her place in sporting history.

Who Stars In Young Woman And The Sea?

The film brings together a cast led by Daisy Ridley and Stephen Graham, with several familiar faces taking on key roles in Trudy’s story.

• Daisy Ridley (Cleaner) as Trudy Ederle
• Tilda Cobham-Hervey (Burn) as Meg Ederle
• Stephen Graham (The Virtues, Help) as Bill Burgess
• Kim Bodnia (Killing Eve) as Henry Ederle
• Christopher Eccleston (Unchosen) as Jabez Wolffe
• Glenn Fleshler (Clean) as James Sullivan

Ridley takes centre stage as the determined swimmer, while Graham plays the experienced mentor who encourages her to pursue her ambitions despite the obstacles in her path.

Is There A Trailer For Young Woman And The Sea?

Yes. The official trailer offers a glimpse of Trudy’s journey, from her early development as a swimmer to her determination to take on the English Channel. It also introduces the challenges she faces and the support she receives along the way.

Is Young Woman And The Sea Worth Watching?

For viewers who enjoy uplifting biographical dramas, Young Woman And The Sea is an inspiring choice.

Stephen Graham brings his characteristic warmth to Bill Burgess, making the unconventional swimming champion an engaging presence on screen. Daisy Ridley is equally compelling as Trudy, conveying the physical effort, frustration and determination involved in pursuing such an extraordinary goal.

The film’s appeal lies in its portrayal of a woman pushing beyond the expectations placed on her. Trudy’s journey involves more than athletic ambition: she must contend with prejudice, setbacks and the doubts of those around her before getting another chance to prove herself.

It is a heartfelt account of persistence and achievement, with performances that help bring the remarkable real-life story to the screen.

How Can You Watch Young Woman And The Sea?

Young Woman And The Sea is available to watch on Disney+ in the UK.

For anyone in the mood for a drama that balances emotional storytelling with an inspiring true story, it is well worth adding to the watchlist.

What Other Stephen Graham Dramas Can You Watch?

If you enjoy Graham’s performance in Young Woman And The Sea and want to explore more of his work, two other dramas offer very different stories.

The Virtues

For a more emotionally difficult watch, The Virtues follows Joseph, played by Graham, as he struggles after discovering that his former partner and their son are moving to the other side of the world.

After maintaining two years of sobriety, Joseph turns back to alcohol. The following day, he boards a boat from Liverpool to Ireland, setting out to confront painful memories and childhood trauma that he has long kept buried.

The series explores grief, addiction and the lasting effects of the past. You can watch The Virtues on Channel 4.

White House Farm

Those who prefer crime dramas can turn to White House Farm, a series based on harrowing real-life events.

Graham plays DCI Thomas ‘Taff’ Jones, the lead detective investigating the murder of a family at a farmhouse in Essex in 1985. The story follows the investigation into the killings and the events surrounding the case.

Unlike the uplifting tone of Young Woman And The Sea, this drama takes viewers into a disturbing criminal investigation. White House Farm is available to watch on ITVX.