Nyad

UK Release Date. 3 November 2023
Certification. 15
Running Time. 2 hours 1 min
Director. Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin
Cast. Annette Bening, Jodie Foster, Rhys Ifans.
Rating. 58%

Review.

In August 1978, the 28-year-old open water swimmer, Diana Nyad tried and failed to become the first woman to swim from Cuba to the Florida. 30 years later, and now in her sixties, the veteran athlete comes out of retirement to attempt the 105-mile swim - dubbed 'the Mount Everest of open water swimming' by some - once more.

Such an undertaking, one that challenges the limits of the human body and spirit, would appear the ideal subject for Academy Award-winning filmmakers Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin to explore. Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin were responsible for the highly acclaimed 2018 rock-climbing documentary, Free Solo.

A film that appears formulaic at first glance is elevated by the performances of Annette Bening and Jodie Foster. Annette Bening brings a steely-eyed ferocity to Diana Nyad, gleefully revelling in the character's oversized ego and narcissistic tendency for ignoring social cues. The curt, abrasive and painfully blunt Diana tends to keep most people at a distance, except for her long time best friend, Bonnie Stoll (Jodie Foster). Despite Bening's larger than life portrayal of Diana Nyad, it is Jodie Foster who pretty much steals the show. The two actresses have a natural, congenial chemistry and convincingly portray a complex platonic relationship that has endured for decades. But Foster also provides a warmth that counterbalances Bening's intensity. Foster's on-screen presence is so authentic and effortless, at times, it is as if she's not even acting and it is a joy to watch. 

The filmmakers never shy away from Diana's cracked lips or inflamed skin following prolonged exposure to seawater. Nor, do they shy away from her wrinkles - or Bonnie's for that matter. Nyad is a film in which age would appear to be both an obstacle and a strength, and the film allows Bening and Foster to play their ages gracefully, as skilled performers in their sixties.

The duo's screen presence dominates proceedings leaving little space for supporting characters to develop. Rhys Ifans makes the most of scant screen time as navigator, John Bartlett. But his motivation, along with the rest of the nondescript support crew, are never explored.

Equally, the film conveniently fails to address the controversial elements of Diana Nyad's swim. Several investigations into the claimed record have taken place; indeed, the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) have repeatedly declined to certify the swim, citing issues with the data. WOWSA are uncomfortable with stretches of the journey where Diana Nyad appeared to gain considerable speed or go without nourishment. This element is conspicuously absent from Julia Cox's screenplay.