Robert J. Siegel owes a great debt of gratitude to Lauren Ambrose, who makes a luminous appearance in "Swimming". Mr. Siegel contributed to the writing of the screen play with Liza Bazadona and Grace Woodward. The end result is amazing because the director and his team have accomplished a lot with what seemed to be a low budget. Which goes to show how some Hollywood productions would be better if they went for quality and artistic values, rather than millions of dollars invested in silly movies.
We are taken to Myrtle Beach during the busy summer season. There are all kinds of people coming to make the scene and to have fun. In the middle of the action we find the Wheeler siblings who are trying to make a go of their hamburger joint facing the beach. Their parents have moved to Arizona and have turned the restaurant operation to Neil and Frankie, who we first see feverishly working the rush lunch hour at the beach side restaurant.
Frankie is a girl who hasn't experienced much in life. In contrast, her best friend, Nicola, seems to know a lot for her young age. Frankie is the epitome of kindness. When the beautiful Josee comes looking for a summer waitress job, Neil decides to give her a break. Frankie feels an attraction to this newcomer because, perhaps, she embodies all what she would like to be and it's not.
Frankie dresses plainly and has no sense of style. Josee takes her under her wing, and Frankie repays her kindness by letting her share her room and bed. Josee seems to be hip to try anything that will give her a thrill; she is a callous young woman that seems to be using the new situation to her own advantage.
When Heath enters the restaurant asking for eight hamburgers without buns, Frankie is intrigued. She only finds out the meat is for the two dogs he keeps in his van. Heath is a tie dye artist who earns a living selling his "artistic" tee shirts to the summer tourists. Frankie sees in Heath the promise of love with this caring young man.
Lauren Ambrose is a revelation in her portrayal of Frankie. This young actress surprises us in that he projects such an intelligence and common sense for someone her age. Ms. Ambrose is what holds the film together as she makes us care for this girl.
Excellent ensemble playing by the rest of the cast, but worth a mention is Jennifer Dundas, as Nicola. Also Joelle Carter is the beautiful Josee. Jamie Harrold is good as Heath and Josh Pais plays Neil with conviction.
Let's hope Mr. Siegel will follow up this indie film with something he and his writing partners might do next.
We are taken to Myrtle Beach during the busy summer season. There are all kinds of people coming to make the scene and to have fun. In the middle of the action we find the Wheeler siblings who are trying to make a go of their hamburger joint facing the beach. Their parents have moved to Arizona and have turned the restaurant operation to Neil and Frankie, who we first see feverishly working the rush lunch hour at the beach side restaurant.
Frankie is a girl who hasn't experienced much in life. In contrast, her best friend, Nicola, seems to know a lot for her young age. Frankie is the epitome of kindness. When the beautiful Josee comes looking for a summer waitress job, Neil decides to give her a break. Frankie feels an attraction to this newcomer because, perhaps, she embodies all what she would like to be and it's not.
Frankie dresses plainly and has no sense of style. Josee takes her under her wing, and Frankie repays her kindness by letting her share her room and bed. Josee seems to be hip to try anything that will give her a thrill; she is a callous young woman that seems to be using the new situation to her own advantage.
When Heath enters the restaurant asking for eight hamburgers without buns, Frankie is intrigued. She only finds out the meat is for the two dogs he keeps in his van. Heath is a tie dye artist who earns a living selling his "artistic" tee shirts to the summer tourists. Frankie sees in Heath the promise of love with this caring young man.
Lauren Ambrose is a revelation in her portrayal of Frankie. This young actress surprises us in that he projects such an intelligence and common sense for someone her age. Ms. Ambrose is what holds the film together as she makes us care for this girl.
Excellent ensemble playing by the rest of the cast, but worth a mention is Jennifer Dundas, as Nicola. Also Joelle Carter is the beautiful Josee. Jamie Harrold is good as Heath and Josh Pais plays Neil with conviction.
Let's hope Mr. Siegel will follow up this indie film with something he and his writing partners might do next.