A decade after her historic swim from Havana, Cuba, to Key West, Florida, without a shark cage, Diana Nyad’s incredible journey has been brought to life in the much-anticipated biopic, “Nyad,” which premiered on Netflix. Adapted from Nyad’s memoir, “Find a Way,” the film is directed by the talented husband-and-wife duo, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. This compelling sports drama captures the later-in-life triumph of the charismatic yet divisive long-distance swimmer.
Three decades after retiring from marathon swimming to pursue a career in sports journalism, Nyad became obsessed with achieving the feat that had eluded her in 1978 when she was just 28 years old. In 2013, at the age of 64, Nyad accomplished the 53-hour, 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida on her fifth attempt, solidifying her status as one of the most accomplished swimmers in her discipline.
In an interview with Netflix, Nyad expressed her deep connection to the dream of swimming from Cuba to Florida, a dream that never left her. She explained, “There was something powerful about connecting these two countries. When I didn’t make it at 28, I spent a year waiting for visas and the right weather to try again, ultimately becoming so exasperated that I decided to start my broadcasting career and leave the Cuba swim behind. I was living my life large, but I always held the Cuba swim in a corner of my imagination. That epic adventure was always drawing me, and I didn’t want to leave it in a pile of regrets.”
Vasarhelyi and Chin, renowned for their award-winning documentary work, saw in “Nyad” an opportunity to tell a remarkable story of human ambition that aligned with their passion for portraying athletes pushing the boundaries of their sport. This narrative feature presented a unique challenge as it transitioned from documentary to fiction.
The filmmakers assembled an impressive cast, with four-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening portraying Diana Nyad and two-time Oscar winner Jodie Foster taking on the role of her best friend and coach, Bonnie Stoll. Netflix executives postponed the film’s production to avoid hurricane season, providing Bening and Foster extra time for in-depth character exploration and physical preparation.
Bening, also 64 years old, dedicated herself to intensive training with an ex-Olympic swimmer. When she displayed her swimming skills to the cast and crew, everyone was amazed by her transformation. The commitment she brought to the role raised the bar for the entire production.
Given the central role of water in the film, Vasarhelyi and Chin collaborated closely with Oscar-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda to create immersive and unique swimming sequences. They aimed to capture the vastness and intimacy of Nyad’s extraordinary journey.
While the film portrays Nyad’s incredible swim, the heart of the story revolves around her platonic friendship with Bonnie Stoll. Vasarhelyi emphasized that their films are not just about showcasing extraordinary feats but about exploring emotional truths. In this case, the focus is on friendship.
The complex relationship between Nyad and Stoll, who both identify as lesbians, is a critical element of the story. While their friendship has stood the test of time, it has not been without challenges. Stoll’s decision to step down as Nyad’s coach after a near-fatal jellyfish incident tested their bond. Through the support and friendship of Bonnie, Diana Nyad found the strength to overcome her traumas and pursue her dream.
Despite the awe-inspiring nature of Nyad’s swim, some in the marathon swimming community have questioned the legitimacy of her achievement. The film has brought to the surface decade-old debates about the conduct and documentation of the swim, as well as allegations about Nyad’s character and self-aggrandizement.
Vasarhelyi and Chin, after conducting their own research, insist that the film was never about claiming records but about sharing an inspirational story. They aimed to portray Nyad in all her complexity, showcasing her as a multifaceted and vulnerable character.
The film also addresses societal discomfort with women’s ambition and the portrayal of aging bodies. Annette Bening and Jodie Foster were committed to depicting their characters authentically, without any digital enhancements.
In “Nyad,” the focus is on the power of friendship, the pursuit of dreams, and the resilience of the human spirit. Diana Nyad’s journey serves as a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to chase one’s dreams, and that true friendship can conquer any challenge.
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