SWIMFAN

SWIMFAN has a worthwhile warning at its center. Ben’s flippant sexual choice leads to betrayal, obsession, madness and murder, showing a recognizable pattern of sowing and reaping. The film also keeps foul language and violence unusually low for this genre, with most violence happening off screen.

But the movie’s moral perspective is conflicted. It treats premarital sex between people who have love and commitment as acceptable, stopping short of the biblical standard that marriage is the clearest covenant of commitment. The thriller concept is interesting but familiar, and the suspense achieves only mixed results.

The realistic characters and clear distinctions between right and wrong may give teens something to discuss, but the message is not fully consistent. Watch it at home, where you can guide the conversation.

Ben Cronin is a high school senior with a promising swimming career, an adoring girlfriend and a scholarship within reach. His carefully rebuilt life changes when Madison, the new girl in town, becomes interested in him.

A brief encounter draws Ben into a secret sexual choice. Madison then begins pushing into every part of his life, and Ben must face the consequences of a decision he hoped would quickly disappear.

Three stars means SWIMFAN is watchable but uneven. Its fatal-attraction premise is no longer original, and it lacks the visual shock of the CARRIE films and the adult intensity of FATAL ATTRACTION. The suspense is minor, and the movie sometimes seems to be treading water.

Its strengths are realism and down-to-earth character portrayals. Erika Christensen brings angst and professionalism to Madison, while Jesse Bradford is likable as Ben, a good kid with a troubled past trying to do right. The driving musical score adds energy, and the low level of foul language and violence is a positive for this genre.

SWIMFAN presents many clear distinctions between right and wrong and accurately portrays sowing and reaping. Ben’s sexual decision has serious consequences, and the film can help teenagers consider the results of passion without love or commitment. It also avoids the occult, parapsychology and anti-Christian elements noted in comparable films such as CARRIE.

The film’s weakness is its treatment of premarital sex. It appears to condone sex between Ben and his girlfriend Amy when love and commitment are present. That is a conflicted moral position: Scripture calls for sexual purity within marriage, not merely feelings of love or personal commitment. The film’s central warning is therefore valuable, but its standard is incomplete.

The story’s deepest lesson is that choices produce consequences. Scripture states, “Whatever one sows, that will he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

SWIMFAN offers realistic characters, low levels of language and violence, and a useful warning about reckless passion. Its treatment of premarital sex remains morally conflicted, and its suspense is uneven. Watch it at home if your teen is ready for a guided conversation. WAIT FOR HOME.