Nyad - A Netflix Movie Review

You’re never too old to chase your dreams.

Nyad is a 2023 Netflix film based on true events. At 60, Diana Nyad is committed to her lifelong goal of swimming 110 miles in the open ocean from Cuba to Florida. However, she cannot do this alone without the help from her best friend as her coach.

Although Nyad features a familiar story with similar themes about conquering your destiny, this is a well-directed film. I didn’t know the story of Diana Nyad, so this film is an insightful bio about her journey in her attempts to conquer her goal.

Annette Bening and Jodie Foster are fantastic as Diana and Bonnie, two lifelong sarcastic best friends. I wonder if they improvised any dialogue because their interactions make the movie. Diana and Bonnie’s neverending support is the exact definition of friendship.

With all the struggles and rocks in the waves, Diana is determined to break this record for herself and not fame. Bening embraced Nyad’s fierce attitude. She spent long hours swimming in the water.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen Jodie Foster in a film. She does not disappoint as a loyal best friend. My initial impression was that Foster wasn’t going to have a prominent appearance since the film is about Diana’s swim. Thankfully, Foster is in the film for the duration because we need her lively spirit.

Nyad has an ensemble of characters who help Diana on her various missions. It emphasizes the significance of collaboration and camaraderie. Rhys Ifans did a great job in his role. Ifans is a talented character actor. More credits include Anne Marie Kemf, Carolyn McCormick, Marcos Diaz, Johnny Solo, and Annie Harriette Pittman.

For their directorial debuts, Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vaserhelyl’s work is impressive. Throughout the film, their seamless navigation of Nyad's challenges and triumphs creates a gripping narrative that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

Filmmakers find great locations during Diana’s swim. The cinematography magnifies the ocean. Diana is in the water for 90% of the movie. I don’t know about anyone else but I felt exhausted watching all the swimming. With how the camera dips under the ocean the ocean feels like it’s swallowing you up.

Scenes are quick and not drawn out. One of the most striking aspects of Nyad is its impeccable editing. Instead of just having Diana swimming through the currents, flashbacks are intercepted from Diana’s youth. Newscasts of the real Nyad’s journey are also intercepted.

Good work from the makeup department as well for making Bening’s face appear worn out, sunburned, and washed up by the sea.

The addition of the other characters following Diana on a small boat emphasizes the significance of teamwork and perseverance in the face of obstacles. It takes a team and not just one person to succeed.

With a profound lack of prior knowledge about Nyad's remarkable story, I found myself completely engrossed in the film. Diana’s journey was not an easy one. It took five tries to achieve her goal. In her attempts, Diana had an allergic reaction, got stung by jellyfish, or there was a storm.

Never give up on your dreams. You have to take yourself to your goals. People like Diana Nyad have shown the world that you can overcome obstacles and keep trying. Just because you failed once, you can try as many times as you want.

Overall, Nyad is a compelling and inspiring tale. Viewers who know the story have an idea of the ending, but it's a powerful adaptation of the story. Watch it on Netflix.