Last Swim is a tender and atmospheric coming-of-age debut from writer-director Sasha Nathwani, centring on an ambitious Iranian-British teenager navigating a quietly life-altering day in London. Set against the backdrop of a sweltering summer, the film captures that fleeting, liminal space between adolescence and adulthood, where big decisions collide with the intoxicating simplicity of youthful freedom.
At the heart of the story is Ziba (played with understated brilliance by Deba Hekmat), a bright, conflicted teen caught between cultural expectations, personal ambition, and the pull of her chosen family of friends. As she drifts across the city—from house parties and quiet canals to crowded late-night trains—her internal struggles become mirrored in the gentle chaos of London life.
What makes Last Swim stand out is its observational style, paired with a deep sense of emotional authenticity. Nathwani’s direction is restrained yet lyrical, favouring realism over melodrama. There’s a softness to the storytelling that allows the viewer to really feel the weight of Ziba’s decisions without being spoon-fed the stakes. It’s not about grand plot twists but the ache of moments that feel small but aren’t.
The film also deserves praise for its richly diverse cast and genuine portrayal of multicultural youth in London—something often attempted but rarely done this organically. The chemistry among the ensemble cast is electric, and it’s refreshing to see friendships portrayed with both tenderness and tension.
Cinematographically, the film is stunning. The use of natural light, handheld shots, and real locations gives the film a raw, poetic quality that perfectly complements Ziba’s internal journey. The city feels like a living, breathing character—hot, messy, beautiful, and in constant motion.
During the Q&A following a preview screening at BFI Southbank, Nathwani spoke candidly about wanting to tell a story that reflects the quiet complexity of second-generation immigrant experiences. It’s clear this film is personal, and that authenticity bleeds through every frame.
Last Swim is an evocative, heartfelt piece of storytelling that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s a beautiful portrait of identity, choice, and the messy, unforgettable summer before everything changes.
Special Thanks to: BFI Southbank
Directed by: Sasha Nathwani
Written by: Sasha Nathwani / Helen Simmons
Produced by: Campbell Beaton, Bert Hamelinck, Nisha Mullea, Sorcha Shepherd
Helen Simmons, James Isilay
Starring:
Deba Hekmat
Lydia Fleming
Denzel Baidoo
Solly McLeod
Jay Lycurgo
Michelle Greenidge
Narges Rashidi
