The Shiny Shrimps

At the end of his peak as an Olympic champion, Matthias Le Goff lands in hot water after making a homophobic remark on television. Instead of a prison sentence, he is assigned a peculiar penalty: coach the Shiny Shrimps, a showy amateur water polo team made up of gay players. The group is chasing a dream to reach the Gay Games in Croatia, where the world’s fiercest LGBT athletes compete. What follows is a brisk, messy but feel good ride as mismatched personalities clash and bonds form. The task forces Matthias to confront his own attitudes while the team shows him what real teamwork looks like. Along the way, the group discovers strength in solidarity and laughs at their missteps.

Directed by Maxime Govare and Cedric Le Gallo, with a script credited to Romain Choay, The Shiny Shrimps marks a French comedy about sports and identity. It premiered in 2019, and showcases a light hearted team drama, with bright visuals.

Box Office Revenue: $4,645,750 worldwide, against a budget of $3.5 million, the film found modest success in its theatrical run, with strong showings in France. It performed best in France with international reach. Its release drew attention at LGBT festivals.

The Shiny Shrimps contributed to a broader conversation about LGBT representation in European cinema by mixing sport humor with genuine moments of pride and friendship. It presents queer characters as capable athletes and rivals alike, while keeping warmth at the core. Its tone invites audiences to see sport differently today.

Critics generally welcomed the film for its playful tone and solid cast chemistry. Themes include growth through adversity, the value of teamwork, and breaking down prejudice, all delivered with humor that stays light without losing emotional resonance. The cast brings energy that keeps pace with the story's tempo. Well received.