I watched Nyad and I really liked it! 4/5
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Nyad is a deeply inspiring and beautifully crafted biographical drama that captures the relentless determination and spirit of long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad. Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin—known for their breathtaking work in documentaries like Free Solo—the film dives into Nyad’s grueling quest to swim 110 miles from Cuba to Florida, a feat she pursued tirelessly over decades. With riveting performances from Annette Bening as Nyad and Jodie Foster as her best friend and coach Bonnie Stoll, Nyad is an exploration of resilience, friendship, and the limits of human endurance.
The film opens as Diana Nyad, at age 60, comes out of retirement with a renewed determination to complete the daunting Cuba-to-Florida swim, a feat she’s attempted multiple times before, yet always fell short of achieving. Annette Bening is mesmerizing in the role, capturing both Nyad’s iron will and her complex, sometimes abrasive personality. Bening fully embodies Nyad’s drive and intensity, showing us a woman who refuses to give up on her dream, even as age and past failures weigh heavily on her. It’s a transformative performance that blends grit with vulnerability, showcasing the toll her journey takes on both her mind and body.
Jodie Foster is equally compelling as Bonnie Stoll, Nyad’s loyal friend and coach. Foster brings warmth and humor to the role, providing a beautiful counterbalance to Bening’s intensity. The chemistry between Bening and Foster is undeniable, and their friendship is the film’s emotional anchor. Bonnie is not only a support system but also Nyad’s voice of reason, grounding her through the highs and lows of the journey. Foster’s performance is subtle yet powerful, capturing the sacrifices, frustrations, and deep loyalty that come with being Nyad’s closest confidante and cheerleader.
Visually, Nyad is stunning, with Vasarhelyi and Chin’s direction bringing a documentary-like authenticity to the swim sequences. The open ocean scenes are both breathtaking and daunting, capturing the vastness of the water and the isolation Nyad faces as she battles through relentless waves, exhaustion, and even dangerous jellyfish. The directors’ experience in documentary filmmaking shines through, as they create an intense, immersive atmosphere that lets the audience feel every stroke, every struggle, and every victory along the way. The cinematography balances beauty with tension, and the underwater shots add a visceral, almost claustrophobic element that intensifies the physicality of the journey.
The pacing of Nyad keeps the audience engaged, although it occasionally dips into familiar sports biopic territory. There are moments where the film falls back on typical motivational beats, and while these scenes are effective, they can feel a bit formulaic, especially for a story as unique as Diana Nyad’s. However, the film makes up for this with its commitment to exploring Nyad’s complexities. Rather than simply presenting her as a heroic figure, Nyad delves into her flaws, capturing both the admirable and challenging aspects of her personality.
Where Nyad truly excels is in its exploration of resilience and human connection. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the physical toll and emotional strain of Nyad’s ambition, nor does it gloss over the strain her determination places on her relationships. Yet, it also highlights the beauty of camaraderie and support, especially in the scenes where Bonnie and the support team come together, facing their own fears and doubts to help Nyad achieve the impossible. Their unwavering belief in her dream gives the film its heart and makes the accomplishment feel as much about friendship as it is about personal victory.
The score by Alexandre Desplat enhances the emotional impact without overwhelming it, adding a quiet, stirring energy that underscores Nyad’s journey. It complements the film’s visuals, amplifying the suspense of the open water scenes and the triumph of Nyad’s eventual success.
In the end, Nyad is a powerful, well-acted, and visually stunning film that captures the essence of Diana Nyad’s extraordinary story. It’s a tribute to the power of perseverance, the strength of friendship, and the courage it takes to chase one’s dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. Bening and Foster are exceptional, and together with Vasarhelyi and Chin’s direction, they bring a story of grit and determination to life in a way that’s both inspiring and moving.
For anyone who’s ever doubted themselves or faced seemingly insurmountable challenges, Nyad is a reminder of the human spirit’s boundless potential. It’s a film that celebrates ambition and resilience with honesty and heart, making it a must-watch.