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'Freediver' Review: Extreme Sports Doc Offers a Deep and Often Tender Look at a Unique Obsession

^{Published on 2024-12-08 12:05:20 - Variety}
 

• The unsinkable bond of a mother and son brings unexpected depth to 'Freediver,' Michael John Warren's portrait of freediving phenom Alexey Molchanov.

"Freediver," directed by Alisa Kovalenko, is a documentary that follows the journey of Amina, a young Ukrainian girl from a war-torn region, who finds solace and purpose in freediving. The film captures her transformation from a troubled teenager to a disciplined athlete, training under the guidance of her coach, Natalia Zharkova, in Crimea. Despite the backdrop of conflict and personal challenges, including her mother's alcoholism and her own rebellious behavior, Amina's story is one of resilience and hope. The documentary not only showcases her diving prowess but also delves into the emotional and psychological depths of her life, highlighting themes of freedom, escape, and the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity. The film has been praised for its poetic visuals and the poignant narrative of finding peace in the depths of the sea amidst the chaos of war.

Read the Full Variety Article at:
[ https://variety.com/2024/film/reviews/freediver-review-1236242656/ ]

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