In "Nyad," filmmakers Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi delve deep into the life of Diana Nyad, a figure notable for her athletic prowess and formidable ego.
This Oscar-winning duo, acclaimed for their 2018 masterpiece “Free Solo,” consistently portrays stories of human potential pushed to the brink. Diana, an acclaimed marathon swimmer and once an ABC “Wide World of Sports” reporter, aligns perfectly with their vision. Their newest venture showcases Diana's audacious mission, at 64, to swim 110 miles from Cuba to Florida.
This narrative captures a classic tale of athletic aspiration – conquering challenges to achieve victory. Diana's triumphant completion on her fifth attempt, aided by a supportive team, isn't without its obstacles. The film details each hurdle, including a chilling night when she faces a box jellyfish swarm.
The film’s true magic is the dynamism between Annette Bening and Jodie Foster. Bening embodies Diana with conviction and fearlessness, showcasing Diana's immense self-belief, vital for her athletic ventures. Without concern for glamor, Bening fully immerses herself, making the portrayal raw and real.
However, Foster's portrayal as Bonnie Stoll, Diana's longtime ally, coach, and former partner, is the film's highlight. The evident chemistry between the two veteran actresses intensifies the narrative, illustrating the intricate nature of their enduring relationship. Foster's genuine warmth contrasts with Bening's vigor. Bonnie’s candidness in calling out Diana’s shortcomings is commendable, especially when contrasted with Rhys Ifans’ role as the stern boat captain. Ifans adds another layer with his dry humor.
Yet, one glaring omission from the film is the lack of exploration into Diana's alleged career fabrications. With recent investigations suggesting exaggerations in Diana's professional tales, the film barely touches on this. While there's a fleeting mention of Diana exaggerating a recurring story, the filmmakers chose to tread lightly. Possibly, Diana's current prominence and her apparent endorsement of the film might have influenced this portrayal. An unfiltered narrative might have presented a more compelling story.
That said, "Nyad" beautifully captures the allure of the vast ocean and the various challenges Diana faced, even when the audience knows the triumphant end. The film also interestingly documents minor yet crucial adjustments made by Diana on her journey. However, the film's choice of soundtrack seems predictable, despite being the tracks Diana claims to have mentally played while swimming.
Amid the vast ocean's fury, Diana's resilience stands out, leading her to declare, “I don’t want an asterisk next to my life’s greatest achievement.” While "Nyad" might not be the ultimate film about this endeavor, it promises genuine entertainment.
