Nyad is the latest biopic from Netflix that will blow you out of the water.
More than ten years after author, journalist, and swimmer Diana Nyad became the first person to swim the 110-mile distance from Cuba to Florida without the aid of a shark cage at the age of 64, her story is being given the cinematic treatment by the streamer.
Taken on the lead role of Diana is the ever-so-talented Annette Bening, with never-disappointing Jodie Foster taking on the part of Bonnie Stoll, her best friend and coach who guides her on her record-breaking quest. And if the star line-up was enough, Nyad will come to us from directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, who, after the success of the Oscar-winning doc Free Solo, will make their narrative debut this drama. The script has been inspired by Nyad's autobiography, Find a Way, by Julia Cox.
So, what else do we know about the movie Nyad, which premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and already looks to heat up the extremely competitive Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress race at the Oscars 2024? Read ahead to find out more...
What is the plot of Nyad?
The official synopsis from Netflix reads: "When Diana Nyad arrived on the shore of Key West after fifty-three hours of gruelling swimming across an epic ocean, she not only set a world record— becoming the first person to swim the shark-infested waters between Cuba and Florida with no cage for protection—she also succeeded in fulfilling a dream she first chased at age twenty-eight and at long last achieved when she was sixty-four."
Diana basically grew up in the world of competitive swimming and harboured a dream since her twenties of swimming from Cuba to Florida without the aid of a shark cafe. It was on her fifth attempt at the age of 64 when she finally realised her dream.
Is there a trailer for Nyad?
There is, indeed. Watch below to see Annette and Jodie make one hell of a tag team. Honestly, they're BFF goals!
What are critics saying about Nyad?
The movie has already premiered to outstanding reviews from critics. Showbiz 411 wrote: "Please let's give Annette Bening her Oscar already. She trained for this thing like a professional athlete, is never anything but authentic in her portrayal of Nyad. It's the performance of a lifetime, after many, many others."
Vanity Fair wrote: "Nyad affords two great actresses in their 60s the opportunity to wrestle their way toward victory. That's a triumph in its own right, no actual jellyfish required." Guardian noted: "While a dedicated Bening gives her all in a tough, physically demanding role, deserving of at least another nomination if not necessarily a win, it's Foster who steals the film with a fine reminder of her easy charisma.
When will Nyad be released?
Nyad will have a limited theatrical release from 20 October before swimming its way to Netflix shores on 3 November.
