"NYAD" - Worth Watching
A review of the film NYAD about Diana Nyad, who at the age of 64 swam from Cuba to Florida. An inspiring story of determination and passion for the water.
mariusz smenzyk 
The film “Nyad,” directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, known for the documentary Free Solo, tells the story of Diana Nyad, a legendary swimmer who at the age of 64 swam across the ocean from Cuba to Florida. The film focuses on her passion, her battle against her own limitations, and her determination to overcome an incredibly difficult challenge that many considered impossible.
Annette Bening, playing Diana Nyad, brings tremendous commitment to her role. Her performance, while full of energy and emotion, doesn’t always manage to capture the full complexity of the character. The film, in turn, though rich in visual detail and technical aspects of open water swimming, doesn’t fully engage the viewer in the deeper emotional and personal layers of the character.
One of the main criticisms concerns the shallow portrayals of supporting characters, such as Bonnie (Jodie Foster) and John (Rhys Ifans). Instead of deep, well-developed storylines, the filmmakers focus on the technical aspects of the challenge itself, which pushes the emotional nuances of the characters’ relationships into the background. This one-sidedness means the film doesn’t fully engage the viewer in the moral or emotional questions tied to pursuing such a monumental goal.
Despite these limitations, Nyad draws you in, especially if you’re a swimmer or someone passionate about open water challenges. The accurate depiction of the technical aspects of the crossing — the preparations, the equipment, and even the small details related to the swimming itself — make it a film that will certainly appeal to those in the sporting and outdoor communities. Moreover, the story of determination and perseverance against all odds provides inspiration and hope that no dream is impossible to achieve.
Although the film remains a solid biography, it doesn’t fully realize the emotional potential of its protagonist and her surroundings. Nevertheless, for open water swimming enthusiasts, Nyad offers a fascinating journey into the world of extreme sport, with a generous dose of realism and attention to detail.
