TIFF 2023: NYAD Review

This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, to keep up with our latest coverage, click here.

Primarily known for their work directing documentaries, Nyad marks the first live-action feature film for the team of Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. Using the skills they learned over their careers, they apply it to this biopic of marathon swimmer Diana Nyad (Bening), the first person to complete the arduous swim from Cuba to the US without a shark cage. But unlike other swimmers, she did it well into her retirement. A story about determination, it also about the relationship between Nyad and the team of people who helped make it happen, the biggest being her best friend, Bonnie Stoll (Foster). Obsessed with overcoming the demons of her past, that obsession proved to be a detriment to her and those closest to her, however, Nyad’s determination in the face of adversity was a source of inspiration. Not only framing the film in terms of her herculean swim, a deeper dive into Nyad herself and what her tick rounded out that perspective nicely and gave it some emotional stakes. On top of shooting the swimming, this was where Chin and Vasarhelyi shined the most. Getting top billing, Bening and Foster as Nyad and Stoll are the undisputed hearts of the film and deliver their best performances in a long time.

As mentioned, Nyad is centered around the titular marathon swimmer, now far removed from her storied career. Retiring from competitive swimming at the age of 30, she then became a television and radio commentator as well as a motivational speaker. But over the years, she was transfixed on the one swim that got away, the swim from Cuba to the US. Unable to complete it back in her 30s, Nyad decided to embark on a mission to try again at 60. Not quite what she was in her prime, she was not willing to let time stop her. Determined, she restarted her training regimen to get herself in shape for the hardest swim of her life. Already in shape, she needed to go that much further. Stoll didn’t believe that Nyad going back to that swim was feasible, however, she still wanted to offer her support and tag along as her coach. While pushing her and setting up all the logistics needed to bring the marathon swim to life was one thing, navigating the oceans and the weather was another. Cue navigator John Bartlett (Ifans). Taking her team on a ride full of ups and downs, that rollercoaster was compelling to watch throughout.

The best part of the film was its performances and that starts with the spectacular performances from Bening and Foster. Already veteran actresses, bringing a lived-in quality to Nyad and Stoll made their chemistry that much stronger. One of the best pairings of the year so far, they were a blast to watch together. Undeniably Benning’s film, they each make an impression as Bening absolutely gives it her all in what was a physically-demanding role but also excels in the lighter moments.

In the end, NYAD is a rousing sports biopic that may not bring much new to the table but this inspiring and well-shot tale is a knockout.

*still courtesy of Netflix*

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.