Daisy Ridley Recalls Exhaustion from Vintage Costume in 'Young Woman and the Sea'

In her captivating role as real-life Olympic swimmer Gertrude "Trudy" Ederle, Daisy Ridley encountered a unique challenge on the set of "Young Woman and the Sea." The heavy-duty vintage swimming costumes, a testament to the era portrayed, became a strenuous obstacle during filming, leaving the actress feeling utterly exhausted.

Embarking on the portrayal of Trudy Ederle, Daisy Ridley not only underwent rigorous swimming training but also faced the arduous task of navigating cumbersome vintage costumes. These elaborate ensembles, reminiscent of the late Victorian and early Edwardian eras, presented a formidable challenge during swimming scenes.

"When you're actually swimming in them, it's like wearing a weight vest," Ridley candidly revealed in an interview with Fox News Digital. "I'm not joking, it's like 10 kilos." The costumes, featuring full tights and shoes, added significant weight to Ridley's movements in the water.

Ridley's co-star, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, who portrays Trudy's sister Meg, shared a similar sentiment regarding the costumes. "Beautiful to look at, very not practical," Cobham-Hervey remarked. "Dry? Beautiful. Wet? Very difficult."

Recalling a particular scene, Ridley described the sheer exhaustion she experienced while performing a doggy paddle in the restrictive costume. "I was so exhausted doing doggy paddle, which is so hard anyway, in that costume, it's like someone's pulling you back," she said. "It's like a treadmill, really. You feel like, 'Why am I not moving?'"

Coupled with the physical exertion, Ridley's role in "Young Woman and the Sea" also involved stepping behind the camera as an executive producer. "I was treated very much like a partner," she said of her experience. "I initially came on as an actor, and then when it came to, we were really going, I had some script notes, I had some ideas, one of them being I really wanted the sister relationship to be the center of the film."

Ridley's input extended beyond the film's production. She actively participated in shaping the upcoming "Star Wars: New Jedi Order" sequel, centered around her character Rey. "When I spoke to Kathy [producer Kathleen Kennedy], I asked to be, again, I was always very involved, I was always listened to, I always felt like it was very collaborative, but certainly being on from early on, yes, and it's very exciting and waiting for thing to happen officially," she revealed.

Despite the challenges presented by the vintage costumes, Ridley believes "Young Woman and the Sea" conveys an inspiring message. "I hope that people come out and give each other a little hug and feel like they're connected to the people around them and that we all have accessibility to try and achieve our dreams, even if they seem like they do not seem like they're ready to be taken right now," she said. "To strive for it and try and find the people who will help you get to where you want to get to."

"Young Woman and the Sea" stands as a testament to the remarkable story of Trudy Ederle, a swimmer who overcame adversity to achieve her goals. Daisy Ridley's captivating performance, coupled with the film's evocative portrayal of the era, promises a captivating cinematic experience.