As we age, coming to terms with our inevitable physical limitations is hard enough. The expected limitations that are hoisted upon us by society and culture are doubly frustrating for many who still see themselves as possessing the vigor of youth despite how old they are. Many older stubbornly rise above what people expect of them and work to prove them wrong as one legendary true story has shown us.
Nyad finds us alongside sports journalist and former marathon swimmer Diana Nyad (Annette Bening) at her surprise 60th birthday party thrown by her best friend Bonnie Stoll (Jodie Foster). As Diana crosses into a new stage in life, she reflects upon her previous attempt at being the first person to swim the 110 mile trek from Cuba to Florida, often referred to as the “Mount Everest” of swims. Three decades after giving up on marathon swimming she begins to train anew in hopes of conquering her elusive goal, accompanied by Bonnie as her new coach. The two embark upon the journey along with a team of sailing navigators, shark experts, and doctors to assist Diana in achieving the impossible.
Nyad finds a woman nearing her twilight years and grappling with the common thought of how to spend her waning years. Diana’s conundrum is less about the stereotypical end-of-life crisis of regret and more about proving the conventional wisdom surrounding the utility of older people, women in particular, to be wrong. Her search for motivation and inspiration her life and subsequent determination to achieve the goal she set for herself as a young swimming phenom forms the emotional base of the film and provides an appeal that will speak to viewers of all ages, not just those facing getting older. The film follows Diana’s relentless pursuit of completing her swim from Cuba to Florida, including her many failed attempts and her resoluteness in overcoming the obstacles in her way of completing the swim; from health to weather to equipment. Her doggedness creates investment as the audience watches her try again and again over a three-year period despite the effects on her health and friendships as seeks to prove not just to the world but herself what she is capable of. It makes for a compelling story but also an empathetic, relatable watch for anyone who has ever believed in their own abilities in the face of adversity and doubt.
One obstacle that Diana did find impossible to barrel through was the need to have the support of a capable and loving team of trainers and navigators to assist her as she saw the Atlantic Ocean, establishing Nyad’s secondary theme of the enduring power of friendship. Bening and Foster’s performances as Diana and Bonnie form a pitch perfect portrayal of platonic friendship and how the love and support of a companion who cares for you, supports your every endeavor, and picks you up during the moments where you can no longer carry on alone is just as integral in a person’s success as self-determination is. Their chemistry is completely convincing, coming off as life long friends that know each other like the backs of their hands with a genuine love and concern for the other. Every embrace and spat feels real and reflective of how close friends would interact. The way that Bonnie pushes Diana when needed and gives her the helping hand she needs at various points, but more importantly, it’s evident that just having her present helps keep Diana going and bolsters her confidence in the water. It’s a poignant statement about how having the right person or persons in your life can assist you in going far.
Nyad is a neat and tidy biopic that relies on creating an empathetic connection between those in the audience who are dreamers and remain steadfast in spite of all obstacles, particularly those unfairly erected on the basis of age and sex. Fortunately the performances from Annette Bening and Jodie Foster help to bolster its themes of determination and friendship to foster that emotional connection with the audience and make what could have been a rote biopic into something that is interesting to watch unfold, particularly with those who find themselves at the same life stage as Diana. But one does not have to be older or a woman to find inspiration in this tale of determination and root for Diana to overcome and succeed. Nyad is sure to speak to the motivated achiever within us all.
Image: Netflix
