Based on Diana Nyad’s real-life events, Annette Bening and Jodie Foster’s gripping and inspirational biography of the celebrated open-water swimmer celebrates the strength of female friendship.
where to view Nyad: Available on Netflix as of October 20. Nov. 3
Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi are the directors
Cast: Anna Harriette Pittman, Rhys Ifans, Jodie Foster, and Annette Bening
120 minute running time
What does ‘Nyad’ deal with?
With Nyad, directors Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi made their transition from the documentary genre, where they had previously created well-known works like Free Solo and The Rescue. But for this remarkably engrossing movie, they’re still very much in their comfort zone – the world of extreme sports.
Diana (portrayed by Bening in the movie) tried to swim from Cuba to Florida when she was in her 20s, but she was unsuccessful.
In her 60s, the renowned swimmer discovered new motivation to attempt this challenging accomplishment once more. She wanted Bonnie Stoll (Foster), a friend, trainer, and raquetball champion, to serve as her coach and be at her side during the swim.
Although Bonnie was originally hesitant about her 60-year-old friend’s plan to swim 110 miles (about 177 kilometers), she eventually consented. Diana, who is 64 years old, fulfilled the goal admirably after assembling a crew to assist her and five attempts.
Why is “Nyad” such a great movie?
Nyad is largely about Diana’s struggle to complete this swim, including the emotional and physical toll of the expedition and encounters with dangerous box jellyfish, but it’s actually more about Bonnie and Diana’s relationship.
Even if Nyad’s plot is excellent in and of itself, what really sets the movie apart is the alluring chemistry that Foster and Bening share. The two actors are so adept at balancing the nuanced aspects of the relationship in a plot that depends on the audience feeling invested in the characters. The two women’s intense love was present throughout all of their highs and lows, difficult situations, and painful periods.
The depth of both actors’ performances really helps this female friendship pop off the screen.
Bening really emphasizes the times when Diana can display extreme haughtiness and insensitivity toward Bonnie and other people. Foster is simply stunning as Bonnie, who serves as Diana’s moral compass even when she encounters her ego.
Chin and Vasarhelyi, who have experience in the documentary genre, are able to really nicely pace this film by fusing the more intense and dramatic scenes with the more intimate and sarcastic moments of these characters. It’s crucial that a movie’s tension is maintained throughout the entire running time even though the ending is based on actual historical events.
While Diana and Bonnie have both emphasized the efforts of the entire crew that assisted Diana in swimming from Cuba to Florida, Nyad significantly reduces that team, mostly focused on Diana, Bonnie, and the character of navigator John Bartlett played by Rhys Ifans. It’s a clever piece of filmmaking because it gives you the impression that you’re getting to know these people extremely well while also tackling the lengthy narrative of this momentous day.
Although the story’s central theme of perseverance and tenacity is indeed uplifting to watch develop, it’s the minor interactions between friends that really stick with you by the movie’s conclusion.