Nyad 2023

As Diana Nyad (Annette Bening) celebrates her 60th birthday in 2010, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and determination. A former champion swimmer, Diana has conquered numerous long-distance swimming milestones throughout her illustrious career, but one feat has always eluded her: the grueling 110-mile nonstop swim from Cuba to Florida, an endeavor she had attempted thirty years prior without success. With a newfound sense of purpose, Diana sets out to redeem herself and achieve this lifelong dream.

In perfect physical condition, Diana begins training in earnest, immersing herself in swimming pools for hours on end, rekindling the passion and love for the sport that once drove her to greatness. Her decision to take the plunge is met with excitement from her closest friend and former partner, Bonnie Stoll (Jodie Foster), who agrees to train Diana and help her prepare for the monumental task ahead.

The duo embarks on a test run off the coast of Mexico, where they face the harsh realities of open-water swimming. Despite the challenges, including the numbing cold water that initially freezes Diana in her tracks, Bonnie’s unwavering support and expert guidance inspire Diana to push forward.

As public skepticism mounts regarding Diana’s ability to complete the Cuba-to-Miami swim at an advanced age, she relocates to Key West with Bonnie and hires seasoned navigator John Bartlett (Rhys Ifans) to accompany her on this historic endeavor. The stakes are high, as the gulf stream poses a significant obstacle, threatening to thwart Diana’s progress unless she has a trusted guide to navigate through its treacherous currents.

Refusing to compromise her integrity by using a shark cage, which would render her swim an aided one, Diana chooses instead to employ a Shark Shield, a revolutionary electronic device designed to deter sharks. With Bonnie’s unwavering support and John’s expert navigation skills, Diana is poised to conquer the challenge that has long eluded her, driven by an unyielding determination to succeed.

As the fateful date of April 20, 2011, approaches, Diana embarks on a rigorous 24-hour test run to fine-tune her skills for the grueling 60-hour challenge ahead. With Dee Brady (Karly Rothenberg) at the helm as official captain, the team receives their visas for Cuba and the attempt is officially sanctioned. Following this successful dress rehearsal, Diana sets her sights on a monumental feat: attempting to swim the treacherous Florida Straits, a course only 12 individuals have successfully navigated in a single stretch of over 48 hours.

However, unforeseen ocean currents threaten to derail her efforts, prompting her to abandon the attempt after an impressive 42 hours. Moreover, a misjudged pain medication administered by the official medic sparks an allergic reaction, further complicating her situation. Undeterred, Diana regroups and prepares for a second attempt just a month later.

Tragedy strikes once more when box jellyfish encircle her boat, leaving Diana struggling to free herself from their venomous grasp. Enter Jon Rose (Garland Scott), the team’s new lead medic, who selflessly jumps into the fray to rescue Diana and then finds himself caught in the same predicament. A swift injection of antivenom stabilizes Diana, but not before she insists on continuing her swim despite her compromised state.

As Bonnie and John reluctantly acquiesce, Diana is stung once more, leaving her momentarily unconscious. Resuscitation efforts eventually restore her to a stable condition, prompting hospitalization for further treatment. It’s here that Bonnie shares her deep-seated concerns about the safety of the boat crew, warning that Diana’s personal ambitions are jeopardizing their well-being.

Undeterred by these setbacks, Diana consults with an expert in box jellyfish and secures a specially designed protective suit to mitigate future risks. Flashbacks revealing her troubled upbringing and the traumatic sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of childhood swimming coach Jack Nelson (Eric T. Miller) further underscore her resolve.

As the clock ticks down towards August 2012, Diana prepares for yet another attempt, disregarding John’s dire warnings about unfavorable weather conditions. Her motivation stems from the looming threat that water temperatures will drop too low within two weeks, effectively ruining her chances of success. John confides in Bonnie about his concerns, revealing that Diana has a propensity to manipulate those around her, prioritizing her own ambitions over the welfare of others.

As the tempestuous storm clouds gather, a torrential downpour besets Diana during her swim, while John’s boat starts to take on water. Bonnie’s urgent voice pierces the air, imploring Diana to abort her mission, but she remains resolute, refusing to yield to adversity. The tension culminates in a fierce confrontation between the two women, with Bonnie accusing Diana of being consumed by self-interest and lamenting the sacrifices she has made to support her protégée’s endeavors. This heated exchange ultimately leads to Bonnie’s decision to sever ties as Diana’s trainer.

Time passes, and Diana reaches out to John, apologizing for her behavior and expressing her regret over their previous parting of ways. Though John accepts her apology, he confesses that his own pressing concerns, including the need to secure financial stability, render it impossible for him to participate in another attempt. Meanwhile, Bonnie’s path converges with Diana once more, as they reconcile and Bonnie reveals the shocking news that Nelson, their shared mentor, has passed away. This revelation prompts a profound introspection in Diana, as she reflects on her own trauma and the legacy of abuse perpetrated by Nelson.

As Bonnie reassesses her role in Diana’s life, she decides to rekindle their training partnership, with John returning as navigator despite his declining health. He shares with Bonnie his desire to witness one final, triumphant moment from Diana before he succumbs to his mortal limitations. With renewed resolve and a deeper understanding of the bond between Bonnie and herself, Diana embarks on her fifth attempt, buoyed by more favorable currents.

However, this endeavor is threatened when a shark approaches, its presence exacerbated by the malfunctioning Shark Shield. The crew’s quick thinking and bravery enable them to fend off the predator, and as the hours tick by, Diana’s exhausted body begins to succumb to the strain of her endeavor. To combat her flagging spirits, Bonnie plunges into the water, urging Diana to summon one final, Herculean effort.

As the coastline of Key West draws nearer, the crew’s excitement reaches a fever pitch, and with Bonnie’s encouragement, Diana summons every last ounce of strength to complete her swim. On September 2, she emerges from the ocean, her weary body gradually ascending onto the beach as a sea of adoring fans erupts into jubilation. In the aftermath, Diana is asked to share her thoughts with the press, and in response, she offers three poignant takeaways: “One, never surrender to adversity. Two, it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. And three, even in the pursuit of individual goals, teamwork and camaraderie are essential.”