nyad (english) Review
"Nyad" centers around the life of Diana Nyad, a record-breaking long-distance swimmer portrayed by Annette Bening. Proud of her last name's connection to the naiads of Greek mythology, Diana exudes a braggadocious personality, boasting about her achievements and lung capacity. The film captures her attempt to conquer a challenge she faced at 28 – swimming nonstop from Cuba to Florida, a journey fraught with dangers like sharks, storms, jellyfish, and hallucinatory exhaustion.
At the age of 60, Diana, with her ever-patient best friend Bonnie (played by Jodie Foster), embarks on this grueling journey, determined to prove herself. The film introduces Diana's mythic roots, not just to the naiads but to figures like Captain Ahab, emphasizing her zealotry. Directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, known for documentaries about extreme outdoor feats, the narrative delves into Diana's psyche, exploring the misery threshold and self-centered monomania required for such endeavors.
Initially skeptical about the film becoming an inspirational tale about women, aging, and grit, the reviewer is relieved as the narrative avoids artificial saccharine elements. Instead, it delves into the mythic and obsessive aspects of Diana's character, drawing parallels to extreme adventurers like Ahab. Bening's performance stands out for its lack of vanity, portraying a woman enduring physical and mental challenges without self-pity.
The film captures Diana's physical toll – sunburn, swollen eyes and lips, tentacle burns, and moments of weakness and agony. Hubris keeps her going, but it also pushes her to the brink, forcing her back into the water. Despite her suffering, Diana doesn't pity herself, and the audience's empathy shifts towards her support team, particularly her navigator John (Rhys Ifans) and head coach Bonnie.
Bonnie, played by Jodie Foster, adds a layer of emotional depth, depicting the complexities of supporting an adventurer. Scenes between Diana and Bonnie showcase decades of camaraderie, offering a glimpse into their friendship. The filmmakers, despite their documentary background, handle the narrative well, capturing the essence of these characters, portrayed by two seasoned actresses.
The film transitions between tones, incorporating elements of drama, horror, and even a semi-animated phantasmagoria. Some scenes feel abrupt, such as a character's sudden revelation of terminal illness. The editing, particularly during rough swimming sequences, takes on a horror movie vibe, with Diana haunted by visions of her abusive childhood coach. In contrast, moments of serenity transform the film into a colorful, animated underwater fantasy.
Diana's journey, though prickly, raw, and earnest, earns the audience's respect by the end. The film portrays her unapologetic self, making her an endearing protagonist despite her flaws. However, the review also notes the challenges faced by Diana's neighbors, who endure her daily bugle blasts of "Reveille" at dawn. Overall, "Nyad" captures the complexities of Diana Nyad's life, blending elements of adventure, friendship, and self-discovery in a compelling narrative.
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