Nyad

The result of so much consecration and loyalty to the subject matter is a movie of uncommon exhilaration.

Vivid and bracing as the film’s swimming scenes are, Nyad crackles most when Nyad and Bonnie are grooving together on land. Bening and Foster have an inviting rapport, credibly playing old pals (and onetime lovers) who are in it for the long haul.

Adapted from Find a Way, Nyad’s book about her experience, Nyad is an inspiring tale of perseverance and refusing to give up on yourself. However, much like Free Solo, it’s also an exploration of the kind of person it takes to do what Nyad did at her age—and it’s often not a positive picture.

It is quite the tale of heroism and courage in the face of adversity, as well as the importance of teamwork and never giving up. But that is all diluted with so many things at play.

Perhaps fittingly, the directors’ big foray into Hollywood is saved by the star power of the two industry legends headlining the film. Bening and Foster are absolute delights from beginning to end.

As a portrait of a friendship, one tested by decades of high times and lows, successes and failures, bad behavior and forgiveness, Nyad the movie is trawling deeper waters. As a bio-dramatization of one human’s resilience — and thus a stand-in for the triumph of the human spirit overall — it comes perilously close to merely treading them.

To its credit, the movie gently questions Nyad’s compulsion—especially as it relates to her treatment of Bonnie—but it’s too eager to sweep all that under the rug when it comes time for the triumphant final swim.

This movie is so inspiring! I really loved the portrayal of Diane and Jodie plays such a great supporting role. I would recommend everyone see this as a must-see end of the year movie; it will really get your spirit lifted and remind you of how powerful a dream can really be.

If this biographical drama has any appeal, it is due to the performances of Foster and Benning. The story about the fruits of courage and persistence has enough to be seen on a weekend afternoon.

Take a deep breath, and dive into the true story of Diana Nyad as she swims across the ocean. This inspiring biopic, overcoming athlete story, joins the ranks with so many like it before (Race, Unbroken, Secretariat, Foxcatcher, McFarland USA). The chemistry between Annette Bening and Jodie Foster is smooth, and they both bring great talent to these characters. CONTINUE READING ON LETTERBOXD: ****/60VAyZ

Nyad is a subtly inspiring tale that benefits greatly from having two actresses of such high caliber as Jodie Foster and Annette Bening to keep the audience engaged. Nevertheless, I believe there was a slight absence of focus and depth, which is somewhat understandable - at least how I see it - as the film's primary emphasis leans more towards the achievement itself rather than anything else.Although considering that detail, the film could have trimmed at least half an hour for a more efficient use of its running time.While it is true that to this date her crossing has not been formally ratified by any recognized marathon swimming organization, it is not as if she has been accused of cheating either.

An entertaining tale, but afterwards I was disappointed to find out Nyad is a fraud: ****