The warped minds of Retropath (a Bizarre Cinema Showcase) are about to make your summer a LOT more interesting, with a screening of 1968’s The Swimmer, starring Burt Lancaster. Based on the John Cheever short story of the same name, it follows the nimble Ned Merrill on his perplexing trek – to ‘swim home’ across a series of suburban Connecticut swimming pools.

The film holds a powerful lens on the main character; “Slowly breaking apart Ned Merrill to reveal a truth that cannot be expected. It is equal parts bizarre, uncomfortable, enthralling and devastating, offering a perfect counter-balance to the sunny rays of August.” If you’ve never seen it, it will stick with you, long after the credits have rolled.

The Swimmer screens Thursday August 17th at 8 p.m. at the Royal (608 College St). Grab your tickets here.