Nyad ★★★

WHO would have thought a film about long distance swimming would create so much controversy.

Nyad is an American biographical sports drama film that tells the story of Diana Nyad’s determination to swim the ocean from Cuba to Florida non-stop.

Apart from being a feat for any swimmer it’s made more significant by the fact Nyad makes her third attempt after coming out of retirement.

The controversy surrounding formal acceptance of Nyad’s feat isn’t addressed in the film, but we get a sense of one of the reasons that may be behind the official scepticism.

Nyad is physically and mentally tough, as you would expect, and sometimes her drive, ambition and confidence comes across in a negative fashion to some people.

In the film we sees this primarily manifested in that sometimes indifferent way she treats those closest to her, including her partner Bonnie Stoll, and support crew.

That aside, the film does not court any of the controversy and instead celebrates the achievement of an extraordinary individual.

Annette Bening and Jodie Foster are very good in the lead roles.