Screenplay Composition Based on the Classic Three-Act Structure: Diana Nyad's Epic Swim

In this article I will analyzes the film Nyad (2023) through the lens of the classic three-act screenplay structure. It explores Diana Nyad’s real-life journey of resilience and determination as she attempts to swim from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage. The breakdown highlights key emotional beats, turning points, and character development that make her story both cinematic and deeply inspiring.

The story of Diana Nyad’s extraordinary swim from Cuba to Florida, depicted in the film Nyad (2023), is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-discovery, and resilience. When we break down the structure of this inspiring journey into the classic three-act format, we see how each part of the story reflects the emotional and physical battles Diana faced. Her journey is not just about the swim itself, but about conquering the limits of the human spirit.

Let’s explore how her story fits into the timeless three-act structure.

ACT I: The Setup — The Dream to Swim from Cuba to Florida

At the start of Nyad, we meet Diana Nyad in the present day as a woman in her 60s, still determined to chase a childhood dream. The introduction to Diana’s world reveals a retired athlete with a deep-seated desire to accomplish what seemed impossible — a swim from Cuba to Florida, something no one had ever achieved without a shark cage.

Key story elements:

1. The Ordinary World – Diana is a former swimmer, living her life in a quieter existence, but with an unfulfilled dream lingering in her heart.
2. The Spark – She watches an old video of her failed attempt years ago and is reignited with the idea to take one last shot at the swim.
3. Strategy – Diana begins assembling a team of experts to help her train for the monumental task.
4. The Personal Price – The physical toll and the toll on her personal relationships. She is aware that this dream may cost her everything.

✅ Turning Point 1: The Call to Adventure (Setting Off for Cuba) The pivotal moment happens when Diana, against all odds, decides to give it one final try. With the help of her team, she prepares to attempt the swim from Cuba to Florida, facing all the dangers of the sea.

ACT II: The Confrontation — The Fight Against the Ocean and the Limits of the Body

This is where Diana begins her actual swim. She’s in the open water, dealing with the harsh conditions of the sea — the sharks, the jellyfish, the waves, and the constant battle with exhaustion. As the journey progresses, Diana faces physical, emotional, and mental challenges that seem insurmountable. Her body begins to fail, and she’s haunted by doubts and fears of failure.

Key story elements:

1. The First Attempt – Diana begins the swim, feeling the surge of determination and hope, but the brutal reality of the ocean quickly sets in.
2. Crisis of Limits – Her body starts to betray her, and she is forced to confront the fact that the task may be beyond her abilities. She faces moments of self-doubt.
3. Mini-Climax – A few close calls with failure, but Diana pushes on. She refuses to give up, determined to overcome the overwhelming odds.
4. The Fall – After a major failure — she is forced to stop before completing the swim during her earlier attempts, facing a sense of defeat and fear that she might never achieve her goal.

✅ Turning Point 2: The Decision to Go All In This moment marks a key turning point in Diana's story: she decides to attempt the swim again, this time with even more determination. The pain, self-doubt, and sacrifices are acknowledged, but her commitment to the goal has grown even stronger.

ACT III: The Resolution — One Last Chance to Achieve the Impossible

In the final act, Diana gets one last chance to achieve the unthinkable. This time, she is physically more prepared, mentally tougher, and more focused than ever before. Her team is behind her, providing support and encouragement every step of the way.

Key story elements:

1. The Final Attempt – With everything at stake, Diana goes back to the water and begins the swim for a final attempt, pushing herself beyond her physical and mental limits.
2. The Ultimate Climax – After hours of grueling swimming and battling the treacherous conditions of the ocean, Diana finally makes it to the Florida shore, fulfilling her lifelong dream.
3. The Epilogue – Diana reflects on the journey, not just the physical triumph, but the personal transformation and lessons learned. She becomes a symbol of human determination and the limitless potential of the human spirit.

Conclusion

The story of Nyad perfectly encapsulates the emotional beats and structure of the classic three-act format. Diana’s journey is one of grit and perseverance, but it’s also a deeply human story about facing adversity, conquering self-doubt, and the price of achieving a dream.

Her triumph isn’t just about completing a physically impossible feat — it’s about proving that the greatest barriers we face are often within ourselves.

By following the three-act structure, Nyad reminds us that no goal is too great if we have the courage to push through and never give up.