Nyad: A Biopic Drifting Between Inspiration and Trope
Nyad, starring Annette Bening, tells the story of Diana Nyad, an American long-distance swimmer. The film chronicles Nyad’s relentless pursuit to become the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage, a feat she attempted five times. While the movie captures her determination, the actual record remains a point of contention within the swimming community.
Annette Bening as Diana Nyad in “Nyad”
Biopics often prioritize the subject’s personality and universal themes over strict factual accuracy. Nyad presents a portrait of a figure whose achievements, while celebrated, haven’t been universally ratified. Instead of critically examining the myth surrounding Nyad, directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin (of Free Solo fame) seem to adhere to a standard Netflix formula. The result is a predictable narrative of triumphs and setbacks, sacrificing artistic depth and drawing inspiration from films like Chariots of Fire with minimal innovation.
Jodie Foster as Bonnie Stoll in “Nyad”
A Relentless Pursuit
Diana Nyad is portrayed as a fiercely independent and ambitious woman. Her close friend and coach, Bonnie Stoll (played by Jodie Foster), recognizes Nyad’s need for balance and social connection. However, any attempt to steer Nyad away from her self-centered focus is met with a recitation of her accomplishments. Nyad frequently reminds others of her Greek heritage (“Nyad” means “water nymph”), her father’s unwavering support, and her near-Olympic-level swimming prowess. In 1980, she first attempted the seemingly impossible swim from Cuba to Florida, but exhaustion forced her to abandon the effort. Thirty years later, in 2011, she reignites her passion for the record-breaking swim.
Navigating Troubled Waters
Nyad’s ambition, courage, and defiance of ageism and sexism are compelling subjects for a film. However, the directors, making their narrative feature debut, struggle to find a balance between action, documentary-style footage, and drama. The film pulls the audience in multiple directions, making it difficult to fully connect with the two main characters. While a subplot involving childhood trauma (Nyad was sexually abused by her coach as a teenager) elicits sympathy, it ultimately falls into well-worn Hollywood tropes. After four failed attempts, Nyad embarks on a final swim, facing jellyfish, sharks, hallucinations, and visual references reminiscent of Life of Pi.
Annette Bening as Diana Nyad in “Nyad”
The Strength of Friendship
The film’s most compelling aspect is the dynamic between Nyad and Stoll, highlighting the importance of friendship and support. However, the filmmakers soften Nyad’s toxic and tyrannical behavior towards Stoll and her team, who sacrifice their personal lives and health for her cause. Bening’s performance, while aiming for awards recognition, occasionally veers into caricature, with exaggerated vocal inflections and theatricality. In contrast, Foster delivers a nuanced and compelling performance, showcasing her character’s unwavering support and resilience.
Motivation and Legacy
Ultimately, the film raises questions about Nyad’s true motivations. Is she driven by the record itself, or by personal transformation? While the film attempts to portray the latter, aided by Alexandre Desplat’s inspiring score, it’s hard to shake the feeling that the project was more important to Nyad, who served as a producer, than the swim itself. Fact or fiction, Nyad’s story has been monetized, leading to TED Talks, a book, and podcasts where she repeats her rehearsed narrative. Perhaps the era of biopics is waning, as their messages feel outdated and detached from the complexities of reality. As escapism loses its power, Nyad continues to swim, leaving the audience to ponder the true meaning of her journey.