A hauntingly surreal odyssey through the shimmering backyards of American suburbia, The Swimmer follows Ned Merrill (Burt Lancaster) as he turns an idle poolside visit into a strange and symbolic journey home, by way of swimming through every pool in the neighbourhood. As the day unfolds, so does Ned’s grasp on reality, in a story that’s part tragic fever dream, part critique of the crumbling American Dream.

Lancaster is magnetic in one of his finest roles, anchoring this enigmatic late-60s cult classic with eerie grace and physical presence. Adapted from John Cheever’s short story by director Frank Perry and his then-wife Eleanor Perry, the screenplay blends social satire, surrealism, and emotional unease to hypnotic effect.

Enigmatic, poetic, and disturbing." Kim Newman

"Burt Lancaster is superb in his finest performance."— Roger Ebert

A perfect summer movie, we’re also honouring the birthday of Burt the cat, who was named after Mr Lancaster after he wobbled into foster care five years ago with swimmer syndrome. He has since transformed into a fearless garden hopper but still has his namesake's charm. Join us to celebrate by watching the original (55 year old!) Burt on the big screen, in all his pool and garden-hopping glory. Any donations received with ticket purchases via Headfirst will be sent to Bristol and Wales Cat Rescue. 

Sadly, the distributor has let us know that no screenings of The Swimmer can take place until after the new DCP premieres at @cineredis later in July. We’re gutted we can’t celebrate Burt’s birthday as planned — the party hats will have to wait.