Don't Be Prey Review: A Deep Dive into a Banker's Aquatic Redemption
The invigorating documentary Don't Be Prey initially presents itself as a wry cautionary tale about the literal dangers of open-water swimming, such as becoming shark food. However, it swiftly evolves into a surprisingly profound exploration of personal empowerment, focusing on Australian waterman Mark Sowerby's journey to confront and accept his fears rather than being consumed by inner vulnerabilities.
From Banking to Brutal Swims: A Story of Redemption
Mark Sowerby epitomizes a familiar archetype: the investment banker in search of redemption. Adrift among the elite one percent, he made a pivotal shift to long-distance swimming after a traumatic 2015 crossing of the English Channel. When his company fell victim to short-sellers, his self-esteem shattered, and depression engulfed him. Discovering that intensive pool time could help process his trauma, Sowerby embarked on a mission to complete the remaining six stages of the "Oceans Seven"—a series of brutal channel crossings around the globe—viewing it as the therapeutic tonic he desperately needed.
Confronting Physical and Mental Challenges
The physical demands of the Oceans Seven are daunting, designed to force participants to face their aquatic "kryptonite" at least twice. Hyper-dynamic drone shots vividly capture Sowerby's plankton-like progress through treacherous waters. A mordant doctor highlights the grim reality of progressive hypothermia, the primary enemy in crossings like the Scottish-Irish North Channel (34.5km) and Japan's Tsugaru Strait (19.5km), describing it as "everything slowly getting worse—a very miserable situation." In Hawaii's Moloka'i Channel (42km), the threat isn't just great whites but also nightmarish cookiecutter sharks that rocket vertically from the depths to take fist-sized chunks of flesh.
Beyond these physical perils, marathon swimming becomes an intense exercise in mental confrontation. Sowerby's most harrowing moment occurs during a nocturnal crossing of the Catalina Channel (32.3km), where he confesses to battling through hours of self-loathing. Director Jeff Tseng insightfully emphasizes the critical role of the coach, Tim Denyer, who must decide whether to continue or end the torture, describing his task as providing empathy without sympathy.
A Community of Masochists and Unanswered Questions
The film briefly profiles other fellow masochists in the swimming community, though it doesn't fully delve into the depths of Sowerby's psychological recovery. Perhaps some aspects of such journeys defy complete explanation and can only be experienced. Regardless, this doughty saga leaves viewers grateful that Sowerby undertook this transformative experience on our behalf.
Release Information: Don't Be Prey is set for release on 20 March in the UK, 27 March in Ireland, and 7 May in Australia.
