Gordon and I drove over to the WGA Theater in Beverly Hills last night for a screening of Nyad, a biopic about Diana Nyad who swam from Cuba to Florida when she was 64 years old. I thought it’d probably be a lesbian love story with Annette Benning and Jody Foster swapping tonsils–that seems to be what Hollywood likes–but it was a story of struggle and victory. Annette Benning plays Diana and Jody Foster plays Bonnie, Diana’s good friend and coach. The fact that they’re lesbians is addressed but it’s not a big deal. It’s just who they are. The story is about Diana’s attempts to swim the 110 mile stretch between Cuba and the Florida Keys after a 30-year sabbatical from swimming. And it’s quite a story. Diana made 4 attempts before they finally got lucky with winds and currents. In her 60s. She must have a heart of stainless steel to be take that much punishment. I won’t go into detail, but Annette Benning as Diana is wonderful. Jody Foster is great as Bonnie. There was a Q & A with Annette, Diana, and Bonnie after the film (which got a standing ovation–from actors!). The women were just delightful–very funny.
It’s a wonderful life-affirming film. I recommend it. It’s playing on Netflix. See it.