Nyad is a standard sports drama with elevated performances. It contemplates the social structures that push older women aside and how world-class athletes sometimes require stubbornness. There are themes of purpose, determination, superiority complexes, sexism, and found family. It has dynamic relationships, humor, representation, and satisfying payoff. The plot is formulaic, repetitive, and safe, but its execution makes those flaws passable. Plus, the acting enriches every scene with lived-in chemistry, physicality, layers, outbursts, vulnerability, internal conflicts, authenticity, commitment, and release. Overall, Nyad delivers a conventional but competent crowd-pleaser.
Similarly, Nyad's filmmaking is adequate. Its direction adds surreal touches and tonal shifts. The sound uses split cuts, layering, voiceovers, smash cuts, echoes, ringing, emphasis, and stings. Its effects provide CGI, green screens, stunts, and makeup. The cast has respectable fame and natural fit, yet minimal depth. Its production design offers oceanic settings. The music is obvious and generic, but suitable. Its editing creates clunky and uneven pacing, archive footage, montages, flashbacks, inserts, and intercuts. The rather basic imagery throws in some lighting, filters, angles, and focus. Ultimately, Nyad is mostly ordinary, but its emotional flourishes are rewarding.
Writing: 7/10
Direction: 7/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Acting: 9/10
Editing: 7/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 7/10
Production Design: 7/10
Casting: 7/10
Effects: 8/10
Overall Score: 7.3/10
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