Nyad is the feature directorial debut of Oscar-winning documentary duo, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin (The Rescue and Free Solo). In their latest film to look at people who are insane enough to try to achieve the physically impossible, the death-defying directors bring on Annette Bening and Jodie Foster to recreate the story of Diana Nyad, who has been considered the most accomplished open water swimmer in history.
Nyad was known for her accomplishments before the age of 30. But, for the next 30 years, she sat on the sidelines, making a living through colour commentary. Then, after her 60th birthday, the feeling that her life is shortening reignites her passion to reattempt her greatest defeat and ultimate goal, swimming from Cuba to Florida. She starts training and recruits her long-time friend and coach (Jodie Foster) who starts gathering a team to help her succeed including a shark expert, navigator, ship captain, and various medical experts. Soon, this becomes the ultimate adventure for them as Nyad struggles to overcome the natural struggles of age but the stronger blockers of trauma, mental perseverance and not losing your mind after swimming in the ocean for 2 days straight.
The way these new directors tackle their subject matter shows their status as debut directors. Much of it really tries to express emotions through vivid imagery and visual effects, which often fall flat due to the lackluster effects and the lack of nuance. Though these choices are always interesting, Chai and Chin still succeed at making accomplishments of the human spirit thrilling and visceral thanks to some well-timed editing and sound cuts that become reminiscent of basic horror movies, even if they do fit the situation that Nyad finds herself in very well. The rest of the filmmaking does leave room for inspiration but having committed performers like Annette Benning and Jodie Foster will always produce watchable results, making this a film worth it for an inspiring true story.
NYAD is playing at TIFF ’23. For more information, click here.
