The Story Behind Nyad
Diana Nyad’s journey is one of grit and determination. Born in New York City and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nyad rose to prominence in the 1970s as a marathon swimmer, setting records such as the 22-mile swim from Capri to Naples and becoming the first person to swim Lake Ontario north to south. However, her most ambitious goal—swimming from Cuba to Florida—eluded her during her youth. After retiring from competitive swimming to pursue a career in sports journalism, Nyad reignited her passion in 2010 at age 60. With the unwavering support of her best friend and former lover, Bonnie Stoll, Nyad embarked on a grueling four-year quest, completing the swim in 2013 after five attempts. The feat, often dubbed the “Mount Everest of swims,” was a monumental achievement, though it sparked controversy within the marathon swimming community over its authenticity.
Nyad, the film, captures this saga with a focus on the bond between Nyad and Stoll, portrayed with stunning authenticity by Bening and Foster. The narrative weaves together flashbacks of Nyad’s early life, including her trauma from being molested by a coach, with the physical and emotional trials of her later triumph. Yet, it is the friendship between the two women—both out lesbians in real life and in the film—that emerges as the heart of the story. This dynamic, rare in its depiction of a non-romantic queer relationship, offers a fresh perspective on aging, ambition, and solidarity.
Jodie Foster’s Transformative Role
Jodie Foster, a two-time Academy Award winner known for roles in The Silence of the Lambs and The Accused, brings a new dimension to her illustrious career with Nyad. Playing Bonnie Stoll, Foster steps into the shoes of a character who is both a steadfast supporter and a grounding force for Nyad. Stoll’s wiry toughness, accentuated by her signature bandanna and sports glasses, recalls Foster’s iconic portrayals of resilient women. However, this role marks a departure, infusing her trademark grit with a warm, queer energy that has resonated deeply with audiences.
Foster’s performance is a masterclass in subtlety and strength. She portrays Stoll as a woman who has put her own dreams on hold to champion Nyad’s, offering encouragement during the swimmer’s darkest moments. One of the film’s most poignant scenes features Stoll jumping into the water to guide Nyad stroke by stroke when the swimmer loses her bearings. This moment, brimming with emotional authenticity, showcases Foster’s ability to convey unspoken devotion. Critics have praised her for stepping fully into her “dyke energy,” a term that reflects the confident, unapologetic lesbian identity she embodies on screen—a stark contrast to her historically private stance on her own sexuality.
Foster’s connection to the real-life Stoll and Nyad, whom she knew socially through barbecues and Christmas parties, adds a layer of personal investment to her performance. She has expressed that her motivation stemmed from a desire to honor their quirky humor and enduring friendship. This real-world familiarity translates into a chemistry with Bening that feels effortless, making their on-screen partnership a highlight of the film. For Foster, who has often played solitary figures under pressure, Nyad represents a shift toward exploring connection—a theme she has cited as a personal learning experience.
Why Jodie Foster Was the Best Choice
Casting Jodie Foster as Bonnie Stoll was a stroke of genius, aligning perfectly with the film’s themes and the character’s complexity. Foster’s extensive experience as both an actress and director—spanning films like Taxi Driver, Contact, and her directorial debut Little Man Tate—equips her with a nuanced understanding of character development. Her history of portraying strong, independent women who navigate adversity mirrors Stoll’s role as Nyad’s anchor. Moreover, Foster’s own journey as a public figure, balancing a celebrated career with a guarded private life, parallels Stoll’s supportive yet self-sacrificing nature.
Foster’s outing as a lesbian during her 2013 Golden Globe acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille Award added a layer of authenticity to her casting. Though she has long been a subject of speculation about her sexuality, her decision to acknowledge her relationship with ex-partner Cydney Bernard and later her marriage to Alexandra Hedison positions her as a visible queer icon. This visibility enhances her portrayal of Stoll, a character whose lesbian identity is integral to her bond with Nyad. Unlike a romantic narrative, Nyad celebrates a platonic partnership, and Foster’s lived experience brings credibility to this underrepresented story.
Annette Bening’s physically demanding portrayal of Nyad, which involved a year of intense training with Olympic swimmer Rada Owen, required a co-star who could match her energy and emotional depth. Foster, who trained for six months to prepare, complements Bening’s performance with a balance of toughness and tenderness. Their on-screen dynamic has been described as “movie magic,” with critics noting that Foster sharpens Bening’s portrayal by clarifying Nyad’s motivations through Stoll’s perspective. This synergy underscores why Foster was the ideal choice—her ability to elevate her co-star while shining in a supporting role is a testament to her versatility.
A Lesbian Masterpiece of Athletic Mythmaking
Nyad transcends the typical sports biopic by weaving athletic achievement with a celebration of queer friendship. The film challenges conventional narratives about aging and gender, presenting two women in their 60s who defy societal expectations. Foster and Bening’s performances have been hailed as groundbreaking, earning them Golden Globe nominations and Academy Award buzz. The film’s 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and praise from outlets like Variety and The Guardian highlight its success as a “rousing masterpiece” that captures the spirit of mythmaking in sports.
The lesbian dimension of Nyad is particularly significant. Unlike many queer stories that focus on romance, the film explores the depth of Nyad and Stoll’s decades-long friendship, which began as a brief romantic fling. This portrayal resonates with audiences, offering a rare depiction of older lesbians who are not defined by their sexuality but by their resilience and mutual support. Foster’s relaxed, humorous take on Stoll—her best performance since Freaky Friday—adds a lightness that balances the film’s intense physical sequences, reinforcing its status as a lesbian masterpiece.
Controversy and Context
The real-life controversy surrounding Nyad’s swim, including debates over its unassisted nature and her past comments on trans athletes, adds complexity to the film’s narrative. Initially criticized for an op-ed opposing trans women in women’s sports, Nyad later retracted her stance, advocating for inclusion. This evolution mirrors the film’s themes of growth and redemption, though some swimming organizations, like the Marathon Swimming Federation, have questioned the swim’s legitimacy. Directors Vasarhelyi and Chin, known for their documentary Free Solo, have defended the story’s authenticity, emphasizing its focus on human spirit over technical disputes.
Foster’s involvement also brings a meta-narrative. Her reluctance to discuss her sexuality publicly until 2013 contrasts with her bold embrace of Stoll’s identity in Nyad. This shift reflects a broader cultural move toward queer visibility, making her casting a powerful statement. Her recent Emmy win for True Detective: Night Country and her Oscar nomination for Nyad signal a career renaissance, cementing her as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation.
Conclusion
Jodie Foster’s portrayal of Bonnie Stoll in Nyad is a triumph that justifies her casting as the best choice for this role. Her ability to blend her signature toughness with a vibrant queer identity, paired with her real-life connection to the characters, creates a performance that anchors the film. Alongside Annette Bening, Foster transforms Nyad into a lesbian masterpiece of athletic mythmaking, celebrating endurance, friendship, and the refusal to fade with age. As the film continues to inspire audiences on Netflix, Foster’s contribution stands as a beacon of authenticity and excellence, proving that some roles are destined for the right actor at the right time.
