Filmmaking duo Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, known for their Oscar-winning documentary “Free Solo,” have ventured into narrative filmmaking with “Nyad.” The film had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival and delves into the remarkable journey of Diana Nyad, a marathon swimmer who, at the age of 64, attempted an astonishing 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida.
While “Nyad” has generated some controversy, as it touches upon Nyad’s past exaggerations, the film admirably balances celebrating her achievements with portraying her complex and combative personality. At the center of this captivating narrative is Annette Bening‘s fierce and fearless performance in the titular role. Bening, known for her willingness to embrace unglamorous characters, flawlessly captures Nyad’s single-minded determination and occasional arrogance. Her portrayal keeps audiences engaged, even during Nyad’s most stubborn moments.
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The heart of the film lies in the relationships Nyad forges during her extraordinary journey. Her friendship with coach Bonnie Stoll, portrayed brilliantly by Jodie Foster, takes center stage. Their bond is depicted with affection and authenticity, free from unnecessary sentimentality. Nyad’s relentless pursuit of her goals strains their friendship more than once, but their unwavering loyalty to each other becomes profoundly moving.
Jodie Foster’s performance serves as a reminder of her exceptional talent, and her portrayal of Stoll is both astringent and deeply felt. Both Bening and Foster eschew vanity in their roles, convincingly conveying the complexities of their characters‘ personalities. Bening’s Nyad is driven yet ruthless, making Foster’s steadfast loyalty all the more compelling.
Rhys Ifans also delivers a remarkable performance as John Bartlett, the pragmatic ship captain who navigates Nyad through her swims. His portrayal is devoid of vanity and stands as one of his finest career moments. Despite battling illness, Bartlett joins Nyad on her final attempt to cross the ocean, displaying remarkable courage and dedication.
While “Nyad” successfully explores the universal theme of defying age and pursuing ambitious goals, there are a few storytelling flaws. The film touches upon Nyad’s history of abuse by her swim coach when she was a teenager, but this element is introduced rather late and lacks the depth it deserves. It feels somewhat like an obligatory nod to the broader issue of abuse in sports, not fully integrated into the narrative.
On the other hand, Claudio Miranda’s cinematography brings the swimming scenes to life with vivid realism. The ocean scenes, shot primarily in the Dominican Republic, exude allure and occasional suspense as Diana Nyad faces threats like sharks and jellyfish during her journey.
In their transition from documentary filmmaking to narrative storytelling, directors Vasarhelyi and Chin showcase their mastery of cinematic storytelling. While the script could have delved a bit deeper, “Nyad” stands as an enveloping sensory experience and a platform for outstanding performances.