10 key points from the biopic "Nyad" and Diana Nyad's remarkable journey.
"Nyad" is an eagerly anticipated biographical film that recently debuted on Netflix, spotlighting Diana Nyad's historic swim from Havana, Cuba, to Key West, Florida, without the use of a shark cage.
Adapted from Nyad's memoir, "Find a Way," the movie is directed by the husband-and-wife duo of Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, renowned for their documentary work featuring extreme athletes.
Diana Nyad's iconic 110-mile swim, achieved at the age of 64 during her fifth attempt in 2013, solidified her position as one of the most accomplished long-distance swimmers in history.
The film delves into Nyad's lifelong aspiration to conquer the challenging Cuba to Florida swim, initially attempted at the age of 28 but left unaccomplished.
In "Nyad," the main cast includes Annette Bening as Diana Nyad and Jodie Foster portraying her close friend turned coach, Bonnie Stoll.
Bening and Foster devoted themselves to intense physical and emotional preparations for their roles, with Bening even training under the guidance of an ex-Olympic swimmer.
To capture the dramatic intensity of the swimming scenes, the filmmakers collaborated with renowned cinematographer Claudio Miranda, celebrated for his work on "Life of Pi" and "Top Gun: Maverick."
The heart of the film revolves around the platonic friendship between Nyad and Stoll, emphasizing the theme of chosen family and the transformative power of this unique connection.
The article touches upon the doubts and controversies surrounding Nyad's achievement, including concerns about its authenticity and questions about her character.
The filmmakers stress that "Nyad" primarily seeks to inspire viewers with the message that it's never too late to pursue one's dreams, while also addressing societal discomfort with ambitious women and the portrayal of aging bodies in the media.