Head Above Water

Head Above Water is an alluring and awe-inspiring documentary series from 2021. Presented exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, this four-part series amplifies the formidable perseverance and resilience human beings are capable of showcasing in the face of daunting challenges. It offers an intimate insight into Olympic swimmers' lives, detailing their journey filled with grueling physical and mental adversities and how they manage to keep their head above the 'water.'

The series serves as a curtain-raiser into the intensely demanding world of professional swimming. It captures the depths of highs and lows the sport demands, offering viewers an access-pass into the personal challenges and triumphs that elite athletes face. There is a relentless urge, a punishing drive, and a ceaseless resolve that keep these individuals going, rendering the show's title—Head Above Water—very apt.

The series calls in focus four swimmers from Australia, each embodying a unique narrative of strength and determination. The spotlight of the show chiefly rests on Ian Thorpe, an Olympic champion, considered one of the greatest swimmers in history. Affectionately known as the ‘Thorpedo’, Thorpe’s presence and the journey is an encouraging narrative through which the audience is introduced to other steller athletes.

Bronte Campbell and Kyle Chalmers, two other central figures of the series, add an additional dimension with their endearing narratives. Bronte, a gold medalist, delves into her struggles of dealing with injury, competition, and expectations. Kyle Chalmers, a world champion swimmer, presents an account of his steadfast determination to bounce back from a significant heart condition—to rise again and chase his Olympic dreams.

The show additionally captures the inspiring journey of Cody Simpson, a premier pop star who has transitioned into competitive swimming. From touring around the world with chartbuster tracks to now aiming to secure a place in the Australian swimming team for Olympics presents a passionate narrative of change and adaptation.

These four narratives, woven together, present a vibrant tapestry of determination, passion, and resilience. The audience is made privy to not just the physical demands that swimming as a professional sport entails but also offered an understanding of the psychological intricacies that come with being an Olympic athlete—the reward of victory and the pang of defeat.

Henry Inglis, the director of the series, does an excellent job at keeping the narrative authentic. The raw emotions, the moments of self-doubt, the pangs of pain, the jubilance of a victory—all are captured with genuineness and sincerity. The series is not just about swimming, but presents an ode to the undying spirit of human beings.

It fills us with profound respect for these swimmers who, despite having their own set of struggles and problems, manage to keep pushing themselves. The emotional tone of the series offers an empathetic connection with the audience, making it relatable not just for the sports enthusiasts but for anyone who is fighting their own battle.

On the technical front too, Head Above Water impresses with its remarkable camera work and sound design. The underwater shots are filmed with superior finesse, capturing the fluidity of the swimmers' movements. The enchanting background score by Rafael May further enhances the effect, instilling each moment with an appropriate emotion.

Head Above Water is a testament to the power of dreams, resilience, and the will to fight against all odds. This series is not just for the sports enthusiasts but for anyone seeking motivation and inspiration, witnessing firsthand the level of hard work, commitment, and mental strength required to excel at the highest level of a sport. It is guaranteed to elicit a wide range of emotions – from awe to empathy, as viewers cheer on for these incredible athletes.

With all its elements—a stellar cast, commendable direction, emotional narratives, and impeccable technical execution—Head Above Water is a thoroughly engaging watch and a must-have addition to any motivational watchlist. The series subtly reminds us that no matter how fierce the competition, how tough the journey, we always have the capacity to keep our 'head above water'—to persevere and to endure—eventually triumphing against the odds.