Many fascinating and inspirational stories can be found in the history of sports. Even so, the story portrayed in Frida Kempff’s beautifully textured period drama is very special.

Born in Helsingborg, Sweden in 1908, Sally Bauer began swimming competitively in her teens, soon developing a passion for long-distance swims. Yet by the time of the events in The Swedish Torpedo in the late 1930s, pursuit of her athletic dreams is taxing her both financially — since backers for her costly swims are always scarce — and personally. As a single mother meanwhile, Bauer faces burdens and stigmas that threaten her ability to achieve her goal: to swim the English Channel, a feat that will keep her in icy and treacherous waters for upwards of 15 hours.

The spread of war across Europe adds complications and urgency to Bauer’s mission. To accomplish it requires her to push down her fears, curb her sometimes stubborn ways, and gather much-needed allies, including her young son’s father, a married sports reporter whom she still loves.