Nyad
Directed by Jimmy Chin & Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi
★★★
Persons Shown
Annette Bening as DIANA NYAD, Jodie Foster as BONNIE STOLL
Description
NYAD. (L-R) Annette Bening as Diana Nyad and Jodie Foster as Bonnie Stoll in NYAD. Cr. Kimberley French/Netflix ©2023
Netflix’s Nyad is a cinematic venture that plunges into the depths of human tenacity, brought to the forefront by Annette Bening's stellar performance. As Diana Nyad, Bening masterfully captures the essence of resilience and courage, breathing life into the remarkable journey of the marathon swimmer. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes increasingly apparent that the film's structure, while commendable, may be better suited for the documentary format.
Bening's portrayal is undoubtedly the bones of the of the film, providing the structure the narrative displays. Bening is also not afraid to be unlikeable throughout most of the runtime, never shying away from the exponential fibs her character weaves into her life’s web. Jodie Foster's contribution adds a layer of heart, creating a dynamic on-screen chemistry that enhances the emotional resonance of the story. Surprisingly, this is Foster’s first lesbian character after decades in the film world.
One of the notable aspects of Nyad is its ability to transcend the traditional sports drama, offering a universal tale of determination, self-discovery, and the human spirit's resilience. The film not only delves into the physical challenges of Nyad's swim but also explores her inner journey, providing a holistic portrayal of her character.
Despite these strengths, Nyad grapples with a narrative structure that seems more suited for the documentary genre. Directors Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, the team behind Free Solo, known for their expertise in capturing real-life, high-stakes endeavors, occasionally struggles to seamlessly translate their skills into a narrative feature. The film's pacing and transitions, while effective in a documentary context, at times feel disjointed in the realm of fictional storytelling.
At its core, "Nyad" celebrates the triumph of the human will and the enduring legacy of those who push the boundaries of what is deemed possible. Despite its structural challenges, the film leaves the audience with a sense of admiration for Nyad and those of a similar mentality that dare to defy both nature and societal expectations in their pursuit of the extraordinary. Yet, it is still safe to say that Nyad is better served up as a documentary rather than the iteration we received of a narrative feature.
