This Top Pick was written on special assignment for The Ticket through the TeenTix Press Corps, a teen arts journalism program run by TeenTix, a youth empowerment and arts access nonprofit organization.
The Boys in the Boat captures the true story of the University of Washington’s underdog rowing team and their race to win gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Directed by George Clooney, the movie is based on the 2013 non-fiction book of the same name by local author Daniel James Brown. It centers on UW student Joe Rantz (Callum Turner) and his rise to rowing victory against the backdrop of the Great Depression and Nazi Germany. A strong Husky spirit rallies the team and the audience throughout the film.
Despite the local connection, The Boys in the Boat‘s producers decided to shoot the movie across the pond in the UK—but there are still some standout production components in the film. Surprisingly musical, its soaring soundtrack comes from Alexandre Desplat, who also composed the Academy Award-winning Guillermo del Toro film The Shape of Water. The Boys‘ period wardrobe by designer Jenny Eagan (also the costumer of Knives Out) is another high point.
To accompany this film, check out a companion exhibit currently running at the Museum of History and Industry: Pulling Together: A Brief History of Rowing in Seattle, through June 2nd. Expand your understanding of the sport, and learn about UW and the Pocock family’s influence on the sport of rowing.
📆 Currently screening at Seattle-area cinemas
Including but not limited to:
🍿 SIFF Cinema Uptown: 511 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle
🍿 The Varsity Theatre: 4329 University Way NE, Seattle
🍿 Admiral Theatre: 2343 California Ave SW, Seattle
🍿 Ark Lodge Cinemas: 4816 Rainier Ave S, Seattle
🍿 Majestic Bay Theatres: 2044 NW Market St, Seattle
Check in with theaters about showtimes.
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