Vasarhelyi and Chin, the talented duo behind the Academy Award-winning documentary “Free Solo,” have a knack for capturing the mental and physical challenges faced by athletes in their films. With their latest project, “Nyad,” they decided to venture into the world of narrative fiction for the first time. The film tells the extraordinary story of Diana Nyad, a determined swimmer who pushed herself to the limit in her quest to swim from Cuba to Florida.
To bring their vision to life, Vasarhelyi, Chin, and their team enlisted the talents of Annette Bening and Jodie Foster to portray Nyad and her best friend turned coach, Bonnie Stoll, respectively. Netflix executives recognized the potential of the project and agreed to delay production to ensure optimal conditions for filming.
Both Bening and Foster fully committed to their roles, with Bening undergoing extensive training with an ex-Olympic swimmer to master the art of swimming. When she showcased her skills on set, the entire crew was amazed by her dedication and transformation. The filmmakers also collaborated closely with acclaimed cinematographer Claudio Miranda to capture the intensity and uniqueness of each swimming sequence.
Beyond the physical challenges faced by Nyad, the heart of the story lies in the deep friendship between Nyad and Stoll. The filmmakers wanted to explore the concept of chosen family and the growth that can occur within a platonic relationship. Nyad and Stoll’s friendship had its fair share of ups and downs, with Stoll eventually stepping back as her coach. However, they sought resolution with the help of a mediator and ultimately became even more determined to achieve their shared goal.
Throughout the film, Vasarhelyi and Chin aimed to present Nyad in all her complexity. They aimed to challenge society’s discomfort with ambitious women and aged bodies. Bening and Foster insisted on portraying their characters authentically, without any touch-ups or alterations to their bodies.
The filmmakers acknowledge that some within the marathon swimming community have questioned the legitimacy of Nyad’s achievement, but they firmly believe in the inspiring message behind her story. “Nyad” is not about breaking records; it’s about pursuing one’s dreams, regardless of age or obstacles. Vasarhelyi and Chin aimed to showcase the multifaceted nature of Nyad’s character, likening her to a mille-feuille pastry – complicated yet vulnerable.
Ultimately, “Nyad” serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Vasarhelyi and Chin hope to challenge societal norms and provide two incredible female actors, Bening and Foster, with roles that allow them to fully embody complex, complete women.
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