Alex Holmes’ Maiden offers an informative look at Tracy Edwards and her pioneering of the first all-woman yachting crew in the 1989 Whitbread Round the World race aboard the titular ship. Despite being such a niche subject matter, the documentary presents a story about female trailblazers that’s bound to inspire many young women to bring equality to male-dominated sports.
Using archival footage alongside present-day interviews with reporters and crew members proves an eye-opening way to tell the story at hand. The formula produces moments of pure disdain when reporters reflect on the language and reporting they used 30 years ago to describe these women during the race, speculating on their personal lives and romances rather than the athletes’ actual merit.
The sexism shown makes the audience root for Edwards and her team and begs the question of how far society has come regarding female inclusion in sporting events and how they are discussed in the media and among fans. Edwards’ struggle to raise money to get her team ready for the competition highlights the problem as well when compared with her male competitors, who encounter no such obstacles.
Seeing every leg of the competition play out elicits elevated excitement, disappointment and hope when paired with the interviews throughout the story. Watching footage of the crew steering through a storm or listening to a beacon call due to a problem with the Maiden’s mast offers a sharp look at the struggles Edwards and her team faced, putting the audience on the ride with the team.
Maiden is a triumphant story above all else. Edwards’ journey translates well to the screen, and though Holmes presents an entertaining story, there is no denying the deep love and respect he feels for his subject.
Starts Aug. 9 at Grail Moviehouse
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