A first look: Annette Bening and Jodie Foster in Nyad
In select theaters on October 30, Netflix is releasing the epic story of long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad. Starring Annette Bening and Jodie Foster, NYAD is a remarkable true story of tenacity, friendship, and the triumph of the human spirit. An openly gay athlete, Diana Nyad’s story is an inspirational tale not to be missed. If you can’t make it to one of the theaters showing the film, fear not. NYAD is scheduled to drop on Netflix’s streaming platform on November 3, 2023.
In this nailbiting story, three decades after giving up marathon swimming in exchange for a prominent career as a sports journalist, at the age of 60, Diana (Annette Bening) becomes obsessed with completing an epic swim that always eluded her: the 110-mile trek from Cuba to Florida, often referred to as the “Mount Everest” of swims. Determined to become the first person to finish the swim without a shark cage, Diana goes on a thrilling, four-year journey with her best friend and coach Bonnie Stoll (Jodie Foster), and a dedicated sailing team.
In addition to the legendary Annette Bening and Jodie Foster, NYAD marks the narrative directorial debut of Academy Award-winning documentary filmmakers Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin.
Offscreen, Diana Nyad first sparked national interest in 1975 when she swam 28 miles around Manhattan, New York. Then, four years later in 1979, she swam 102 miles from North Bimini in the Bahamas all the way to Juno Beach in Florida. It took her five attempts, but as NYAD documents, in 2013 at the age of 64, the athlete became the first person claiming to have completed the treacherous swim from Cuba to Florida (110 miles) without the use of a shark cage.
In this first look from Netflix, the incredible Annette Bening and Jodie Foster verbally spar in character as Diana and Bonnie, as Diana explains in no uncertain terms to her dear friend Bonnie, her intentions to swim from Cuba to Florida. Diana wants Bonnie to be her coach, but Bonnie is not convinced this is a good idea. The onscreen chemistry between these two formidable actresses is palpable!
It is unclear at this point whether Diana’s sexuality plays out in NYAD, but the fact remains that Diana Nyad is an out lesbian athlete – and that’s all we need to tune in and support this incredible story of human strength.
NYAD is slated for release in select theaters on October 30. The film then launches on Netflix on November 3, 2023. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for all queer stuff!
Featured Image: Courtesy of Netflix
