Light in the Water is a documentary film from 2018 that explores the journey of the West Hollywood Aquatics (WH2O) swim team, which formed in 1982 and went on to become one of the most successful LGBTQ+ sports teams in history. Directed by Lis Bartlett, the film takes a nostalgic look back at the origins of the team and how it provided a safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals during a time when acceptance and visibility were still rare.
The movie introduces us to various members of the WH2O swim team, as well as the coaches, allies and partners who were part of their journey. It documents the struggles they faced, both on and off the pool deck, such as the AIDS crisis, homophobia and discrimination. The film is a triumphant reminder of how a group of people can come together to create something incredible, despite facing immense obstacles.
The director introduces us to Jim Ballard, one of the founding members of WH2O. He reflects on his experience of being an openly gay swimmer in the early 1980s, a time when homophobia was still rampant. Ballard speaks openly about the fear and isolation he felt, even as a successful athlete, and how being a part of WH2O gave him a sense of purpose and community.
We also hear from Mauro Bordovsky, an Argentinian swimmer who moved to Los Angeles to train with the WH2O swim team. Bordovsky discusses his experience of being closeted in Argentina, and how joining the team gave him the courage to come out and embrace his true self. He credits the team with saving his life, providing him with a sense of belonging and support during difficult times.
In addition to personal stories, the film explores the larger cultural context of LGBTQ+ identity and the evolution of the gay rights movement. We see footage from the 1980s and 90s of protests and activism, juxtaposed with interviews from a modern-day perspective. It's a reminder of how far the community has come, but also how much work still needs to be done.
Light in the Water also provides insight into the world of competitive swimming, and the grueling training and preparation required to be successful. The film includes stunning underwater footage of the swimmers, shot in slow motion to capture the beauty and grace of the sport. We're also given a glimpse into the team's high-strung dynamic, with coaches pushing the swimmers to their limits in pursuit of excellence.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the film is the sense of camaraderie and family that the WH2O swim team created. We see this in the way members support and encourage each other, both in and out of the pool. We also see it in the way the team rallied together during difficult times, such as the peak of the AIDS crisis, to provide care and support for their sick teammates.
Overall, Light in the Water is a moving tribute to the power of community and the human spirit. It's a reminder of how far the LGBTQ+ community has come in the fight for acceptance and equality, and how much strength and resilience it took to get there. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history, sports, or human triumph over adversity.
Light in the Water is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.
