It’s double-review time! I always try to find common ground in the films I review together. These two are based on memoirs and are directed by women – both currently available on VOD.

NYAD

There have been quite a few biopics released in the past year, and this one centers on Diane Nyad, a marathon swimmer who at the age of 64 finally realized her dream to swim from Cuba to Florida. Based on Nyad’s 2015 memoir Find a Way, this film is the first narrative feature from documentary filmmaker duo Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin (Meru, Free Solo) but the subject matter is certainly within their wheelhouse.

Given that the main theme of the film deals with ageism, it’s commendable to have two female actresses in their 60s portray the two major characters: Nyad and her best friend/coach Bonnie Stoll. Annette Bening as Nyad and Jodie Foster are such masters of their craft, Bening’s performance is especially powerful while it’s also fun to see Foster’s comedic side. The two have such effortless rapport, and their constant banter is funny, adorable, and relatably human. I’m glad that the filmmakers don’t tone down Nyad’s rough edges, in fact, she is often insufferable as she’s so laser-focused on achieving her elusive dream. It’s so refreshing to see a flawed heroine, which doesn’t make her journey any less inspiring. Shout out to Rhys Ifans as Nyad’s invaluable navigator John Bartlett, it’s perhaps one of his most understated but moving performances to date.

NYAD is proficient on a technical level as well, the cinematography by Claudio Miranda is stunning, especially the night shots on the ocean’s choppy waters. The action scenes are pretty suspenseful, i.e. when Nyad was stung by jellyfish and the near-miss shark attack scenes. It was fascinating to see how the electronic shark-repellent device actually worked!

Gripping, and emotional but with well-timed moments of levity, Vasarhelyi and Chin definitely do Nyad’s incredible story justice!

NYAD is streaming on Netflix.

PRISCILLA

Priscilla is Sofia Coppola‘s cinematic adaptation of Priscilla Presley’s memoir Elvis and Me, which explores their private relationship from the time they first met. The first time Elvis saw Priscilla when he was stationed at a German army base, he was immediately enthralled by her, perhaps more so than she was by him. It’s crazy that she was only just 14, though she claimed to be more mature for her age. Soon she becomes a cure for the King’s loneliness, a decade her senior, and she moves in with him at Graceland.

Coppola’s films often explore female youth, isolation, wealth, and privilege… the vibe is dreamy and atmospheric. While the Elvis biopic was done with a dizzying everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach, this one is decidedly more understated. So much so that it feels lethargic and frankly, tedious. I struggle to get into Cailee Spaeny‘s or Jacob Elordi‘s performances, but it’s not a criticism of their acting ability as the issue lies more with the angsty direction. Surely I was far more affected by Austin Butler’s performance as Elvis than Elordi’s here.

An actor’s height rarely becomes so distracting that it threatens to ruin the movie. Well, it’s pretty close to that here with Elordi as Elvis, his 6’5″ towering height just looks ridiculous next to the petite Spaeny. It would’ve been fine if the script had more going for it to make up for the odd casting, but it proves to be quite a struggle to finish this one.

Coppola’s films have beautiful aesthetics and so does Priscilla. With the dream-like cinematography by Philippe Le Sourd and the focus on Priscilla’s glamorous wardrobe by Stacey Battat, the film often feels more like a fashion project than a character-driven piece. What I was hoping was a story that would help peel back the layers and reveal the woman behind the headlines.  Alas, Coppola’s script makes Priscilla so one-dimensional as she doesn’t have an identity outside of being Elvis’ girl… even when he was away constantly, she has no creative pursuits or ambitions apart from him.

Most of the nearly 2-hour running time is spent while Priscilla is with Elvis, there’s barely a glimpse of what the title character does once she breaks free of him. What a missed opportunity here, and overall the film just isn’t entertaining to me, not even a glint of joy as Coppola drenched it in gloom and melancholy.

Priscilla is now available to rent on VOD.

Have you seen NYAD or Priscilla? What did you think?

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