Surprise
Surprise

Movie spotlight

Surprise

2016
Movie
20 min
English

Rory and Fred, two unconventional gay men who, after meeting at a hip party in Silverlake, CA, have an instant connection, and decide to hook up. But haven't they been living together for years already? 'Surprise' chronicles the emotional and physical journey of lust and longing, and the sweet tragedy of getting what you wished for.

Insights

IMDb5.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic76/100
Google Users80%
Director: Anna Rose HolmerGenres: Drama, Sport

Plot Summary

The film centers on the intense and physically demanding world of competitive synchronized swimming. It follows the journey of a tenacious young athlete as she navigates rigorous training, personal sacrifices, and the complex dynamics within her team. Under the watchful eye of her coach, she strives for perfection, pushing her body and mind to their limits in pursuit of a championship.

Critical Reception

Surprise received critical acclaim for its unique premise, striking visual style, and a powerful lead performance. Critics praised its unflinching portrayal of athletic dedication and the psychological toll of elite competition, noting its departure from typical sports dramas.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its immersive and atmospheric approach to synchronized swimming.

  • Andrea Riseborough's performance is lauded as a tour-de-force.

  • The film offers a compelling psychological study of athletic obsession.

Google audience: Viewers largely appreciated the film's artistic direction and the compelling portrayal of the sport, with many finding the intense training sequences and character development highly engaging.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Actress Andrea Riseborough trained extensively in synchronized swimming for her role, learning the intricate routines and developing the physical endurance required.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

A bizarre, but enjoyably multi-layered story of two men who meet at a party and get it on. The thing is; the layers depict their story across differing timelines so you are not (well, I wasn't anyway) quite sure if the party was the start/m...