By Steve Crum
Even the failures depicted in Nyad are fascinating to observe. That’s because Nyad is the biopic of Diana Nyad, champion long-distance swimmer. Her multiple attempts at being the first to swim from Cuba to Florida (without a shark cage) were literally death defying.
In her Oscar worthy performance in the title role, Annette Bening is endurance exemplified. It is a stellar achievement. Jody Foster, who co-stars as Nyad’s best friend and 
swimming coach Bonnie Still, deserves a Best Support Oscar nod.
Helmed by fledgling feature directors Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, the story begins with vintage clips of the actual Diana Nyad guesting on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show, wherein Nyad describes herself as “overly ambitious.” As the story shifts to Bening’s portrayal, we find the self-description spot on.
Based upon Nyad’s autobiography Find a Way (adapted by Julia Cox), the Nyad trek begins with her charismatic junior high school swim coach to compete and win—never to give up. (The darker side of their relationship is explored later.)
Additionally, Nyad’s dad encourages her obsessive goal of marathon swim competition. “You could almost swim there—to Cuba,” says her father in flashback.
Segue to the present, three decades later. “It’s been 30 years,” says friend Bonnie, “since you put on a pair of goggles.” Now she is 64, still wanting to successfully swim from Cuba to The Florida Keys. Nyad has already tried and failed, but is driven to fulfill her desire to navigate all 110 miles.
A good portion of the film is focused on finding a competent crew for the voyage. She scores with seasoned navigator John Bartlett (the great Rhys Ifans). “CUBA 2013” becomes the rallying credo for yet another attempt that includes a shark attack.
In an earlier try, Nyad is attacked by jellyfish. Her resulting facial abuse is grossly but realistically shown by the studio’s makeup gurus. (Egad, why didn’t 
Spielberg make a movie called Jellyfish?!)
But it is Annette Bening who encompasses the spirit, drive and braggadocio of Diana Nyad.
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GRADE on an A-F Scale: A