This movie has been on Netflix for a while now. I began watching it when it first appeared, but stopped about a third of the way through because Diana Nyad came across as a rather unpleasant character. A few days ago I watched the rest and thoroughly enjoyed it once I got into it.
Diana Nyad is not very endearing – even in real life – but she is unapologetic about being herself. In reality she has met and answered the controversy about her career and achievements, but this is not covered in the movie. I thought while watching that I probably would not have reacted so negatively if it had been a man behaving so selfishly in a movie, because that kind of behaviour has traditionally been condoned in men.
What fascinated me is Annette Bening’s ability to play less likeable characters so brilliantly. She does not shy away from difficult roles, although in this case it may count against her for an Academy Award nomination. By the end of the movie I was rooting for Diana Nyad.
I also loved seeing these two women in their sixties showing that older women can be badass, look their age, and achieve new things. Both women are very obviously in their sixties, and make no attempts to hide it. In fact, as the movie progresses, their hair becomes strawier, their skin becomes more leathery, and their lines deepen. I think they grow more beautiful frame by frame because they are so obviously full of life and are comfortable in their bodies. It is kind of sad that this kind of depiction of older women is so rare.
In most African cultures, being elderly is viewed differently from the west. People see lines and grey hair as manifestation of wisdom and experience. In the west we tend to be afraid of it.
I loved Rhys Ifans’ character. He was brilliant. And Jodie Foster is, as always, stupendously good.
If you have watched Nyad, what did you think?
So, why does it seem that Nyad is nowhere to be found on Netflix. It’s supposed to be there since November 3!!!!!
You know, I felt exactly the same as you. I had heard raving reviews about it but it somehow didn’t really feel like it was that good at the beginning but once you get going, it definitely grows on you. I also didn’t feel too much sympathy for Nyad but she deserved all the praise she got in the end. Jodie Foster is excellent as usual. One fun fact about her is that she’s absolutely fluent in French. She has often given interviews for the news in French and she was mind blowing. I also appreciate seeing both women ageing so gracefully with seemingly not a trace of cosmetic surgery. Age should definitely celebrated rather than shunned. So many people lose their lives so quickly and both grey hair and wrinkles should be considered as badges of honour and not badges of shame.
I just loved seeing unapologetic natural faces in unforgiving, harsh sunshine. There is so much stunning beauty in a lived-in older face, but that is not the message the media and movies usually send. I also liked – in the end – that she was rude and selfish and single-minded, and made no excuses for it. I also really like that their sexuality was dealt with in two sentences at the beginning and then was a non-issue. Wasn’t Rhys Ifans good also? The grumpy man with a heart of gold is an old cliché but this one didn’t seem forced.
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I absolutely agree with everything you said (again!). They looked beautiful and I’d rather look like them than any other women who is over polished. Looking and feeling natural is definitely something that matters to me! As women, I feel we often we need to go over the top to be heard and/or respected. I think that Nyad just didn’t care what other people said, she was focused on her goal and respected for it.
seems like must watch film
I haven’t seen it, but your review put it on my radar. We don’t buy Netflix anymore, but I’m sure I can find more info about it, which I definitely will do.