A new Netflix biopic has proven to be a hit with viewers, with fans raving about the ‘inspiring’ true story.
Nyad became available on the streaming platform on November 3 and viewers have flooded X, formerly known as Twitter, to praise the film.
Written by Julia Cox and directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, this must-see film is based on the real and controversial story of journalist Diana Nyad.
The remarkable true story is portrayed by a star-studded cast, including Academy Award nominee Annette Bening, Oscar winner Jodie Foster and House of the Dragon’s Rhys Ifans.
The biopic tells the story of 60-year-old Nyad (Annette Bening), who becomes obsessed with an extreme swim of 180 kilometers from Florida to Cuba – a feat that has always eluded her.
Success story: A new Netflix biopic has proven to be a hit with viewers, with fans raving about the ‘inspiring’ true story
Teamwork: The remarkable true story stars a star-studded cast, including Academy Award nominee Annette Bening and Oscar winner Jodie Foster (both pictured)
After decades away from the sport, the marathon swimmer is determined to become the first person to complete the epic challenge, dubbed the ‘Mount Everest’ of swimmers.
Nyad wanted to swim through the shark-infested waters of the Straits of Florida without a shark cage – unlike Susie Maroney and Walter Poenisch, who made the journey in 1997 and 1998 respectively.
Although swimming is ostensibly an individual sport, the motivational speaker did not make the trip solo.
Her sailing team and her best friend and coach, Bonnie Stoll (Jodie Foster), were by her side every step of the four-year journey.
But not everyone was happy with the athlete taking the treacherous dive in an attempt to ‘ignite’ her soul.
“You didn’t make it at 28,” Stoll told the swimmer, adding, “You’re 60!”
After 36 years and five attempts by the marathon swimmer, she finally becomes the first person to make the brutal and dangerous journey without a shark cage.
Off the big screen, Diana Nyad’s real-life achievement was denied ratification by the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA), due to inconsistent documentation.
The swim is no longer recognized as ‘record-breaking’ by the Guinness Book of World Records and has not been endorsed by any marathon swimming organization, according to reports. Digital spy.
Failed: Diana Nyad had previously attempted swimming four times over the course of 36 years before finally achieving the feat at the age of five (Annette Bening as Diana pictured)
Inspirational: Nyad became available on the streaming platform on November 3 and viewers have flooded X, formerly known as Twitter, to praise the film
Fans took to
“Bening’s portrayal of Diana Nyad is nothing short of extraordinary,” wrote one jubilant viewer.
‘Her nuanced portrayal of the character brings a depth and authenticity that resonates with the viewer. Look at that!’
Another called the film a “real crowd-pleaser,” adding, “I’ve had a lot more conversations about NYAD this week than I expected.”
Some movie fans praised Annette Bening and Jodie Foster for their athletic portrayals, joking, “No makeup, pure and raw — and fucking amazing.”
Many flooded the comments with praise for the two leading ladies, with one film buff commenting: ‘These women are freaking GOLD!!!’
Another said: “I just finished watching Nyad. A great story of a great woman. And so refreshing to see two brilliant women my age in leading roles!’
One fan raved: ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! What a relief to FINALLY see REAL women their age in a movie!!”
‘I loved the movie. Very inspiring. Never give up on your dreams. Stay focused and keep pushing,” wrote one motivated spectator.
A film buff also said: ‘It’s brilliant! Exciting & tense, moving & gripping. Beautiful movie.’
Controversial: Diana’s feat was never ratified and is no longer recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records due to inconsistent documentation