The Swedish Torpedo (Swedish: Den Svenska Torpeden) is a 2024 biographical sports drama that captures the legendary story of Sally Bauer, the first Scandinavian woman to conquer the English Channel in 1939.
Directed by Frida Kempff, this film stars Josefin Neldén, with an intense storyline set against the backdrop of the pre-WWII era.
The movie shows Bauer’s determination and courage in swimming the English Channel, despite society’s expectations for women at the time.
The film beautifully captures her struggles and ultimate triumph, thanks to its incredible filming locations across Europe. Curious where this inspiring story was filmed? Let’s dive in!
Where Was The Swedish Torpedo Filmed? 🎬
The crew traveled across Sweden, Estonia, Belgium, and the United Kingdom to recreate Bauer’s iconic journey.
Each location brought authenticity to the film, giving audiences a genuine feel of the times and places where Sally Bauer trained and made her legendary swim. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Sweden 🇸🇪
Sweden played a major role in the film, as it’s where Sally Bauer grew up and trained. The natural beauty of Swedish lakes and countryside helped recreate Bauer’s training environment, making it feel like the 1930s once again.
Sweden’s locations captured the essence of Sally’s early life and gave the film an authentic, nostalgic touch.
2. Estonia 🇪🇪
Estonia was chosen for its rugged coastal landscapes, which added an extra layer of authenticity to Sally’s practice swims.
The scenes shot in Estonia allowed the filmmakers to show the tough conditions Bauer trained in, as well as her determination to achieve greatness.
Estonia’s waters gave a visual representation of her preparation.
3. Belgium 🇧🇪
Belgium was vital for portraying the historical events of 1939.
The streets and architecture reflected the pre-WWII tension that Sally Bauer faced. It was the perfect backdrop for the scenes that captured the world at the edge of war.
4. United Kingdom 🇬🇧
The most critical scenes were filmed along the UK’s coastline near the English Channel.
Since the story revolves around Sally’s historic swim, the filmmakers made sure to capture the true intensity of the rough waters of the Channel.
The dramatic UK coastlines helped bring her journey to life, showing viewers just how difficult and dangerous her swim was.
Locations Table 📍
| Location | Why It Was Chosen 🌟 |
|---|---|
| Sweden 🇸🇪 | Sally Bauer’s homeland, where she trained; natural lakes and countryside reflected her roots. |
| Estonia 🇪🇪 | Used for practice swim scenes, showcasing rugged and challenging waters. |
| Belgium 🇧🇪 | Historical backdrop for pre-WWII events, capturing the time’s tension. |
| United Kingdom 🇬🇧 | Filmed along the coastlines for realism of the English Channel swim. |
Filming Insights 🎥
When you’re making a movie about such an epic feat, you need locations that are just as epic, right?
The director didn’t compromise. From the serene lakes of Sweden to the rough, windy waters of the UK, each spot helped tell Sally Bauer’s story in the most cinematic way possible.
Top FAQs 🔍
Where was The Swedish Torpedo filmed?
It was filmed in Sweden, Estonia, Belgium, and the UK to bring the historical journey to life.
Why did they choose Sweden for filming?
Sweden was Sally Bauer’s homeland, making it the ideal location to capture her early life and training.
What scenes were filmed in Estonia?
Some of Sally’s practice swims were filmed along Estonia’s rugged coasts, showing the challenges she faced.
Why is the UK’s coastline important in the film?
The English Channel is where Sally Bauer made her historic swim, and the UK’s coastline provided a realistic setting.
What makes The Swedish Torpedo unique?
Its mix of inspiring storytelling and authentic locations, combined with Josefin Neldén’s powerful performance, makes it stand out.