In 2013, Diana Nyad swam from Cuba to Florida. She was 64 at the time. Julia Cox' screenplay (based on Nyad's book) essentially begins as Nyad (Annette Bening) turns 60, feeling as if her life is in the rear view mirror. Encouraged to action by her long time friend and training partner Bonnie Stoll (Jodie Foster), Nyad begins to harbor the crazy notion of re-trying that Cuba-Florida swim - something she first attempted at the age of 28.
Filmmakers Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin are Oscar Winning documentarians (FREE SOLO, MERU) making their first narrative feature. They use their background in filming sports and action scenes well here, and they take ample opportunity to use existing news footage of the real Nyad's exploits (Bening does her own share of genuine swimming, even is she doesn't quite convince as an athlete herself). What doesn't work are the flashbacks that are inter-cut constantly. They provide background on Nyad's life, but never truly flow with the main narrative. Further, the movie never addresses the controversies over Nyad's claims over the years including the fact that this famed swim achievement hasn't been documented as an unassisted swimming record (there's even a fact check website in Nyad's "honor").
The movie simply wouldn't work without Bening and Foster. One believes that they really have been friends for decades with all the little unspoken nuances that go with that. Rhys Ifans is very good in support as the Navigator for Nyad's swims. The most exceptional aspect is how well the movie depicts how the feat is as much mental as physical. The will to be in frigid water and fight not only the elements but also the abundant predatory ocean beast is presented vividly, not to mention how just being awake for some 60 hours straight causes out of body hallucinations.
Filmmaking deficits and all, NYAD can't help but be a feel good sports movie with a strong central cast.
Filmmakers Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin are Oscar Winning documentarians (FREE SOLO, MERU) making their first narrative feature. They use their background in filming sports and action scenes well here, and they take ample opportunity to use existing news footage of the real Nyad's exploits (Bening does her own share of genuine swimming, even is she doesn't quite convince as an athlete herself). What doesn't work are the flashbacks that are inter-cut constantly. They provide background on Nyad's life, but never truly flow with the main narrative. Further, the movie never addresses the controversies over Nyad's claims over the years including the fact that this famed swim achievement hasn't been documented as an unassisted swimming record (there's even a fact check website in Nyad's "honor").
The movie simply wouldn't work without Bening and Foster. One believes that they really have been friends for decades with all the little unspoken nuances that go with that. Rhys Ifans is very good in support as the Navigator for Nyad's swims. The most exceptional aspect is how well the movie depicts how the feat is as much mental as physical. The will to be in frigid water and fight not only the elements but also the abundant predatory ocean beast is presented vividly, not to mention how just being awake for some 60 hours straight causes out of body hallucinations.
Filmmaking deficits and all, NYAD can't help but be a feel good sports movie with a strong central cast.