Review of Free Solo (2018) by Darren M — 15 Oct 2018

Easily one of the greatest documentary films ever made, and the best film I've seen this year. The last segment of the film had me frozen with my mouth agape. And I found myself on the verge of tears of awe several times throughout.

Almost as astounding as the climb itself is the way the cameras were even allowed in the presence of this young man during the days and months leading up to it, especially the immediate days and night before.

Personally, I would have liked to have seen more of the climb itself than the excessive time with the girlfriend. That relationship didn't seem to add much to the film. But everything else made up for that flaw.

I have heard there is another great climbing doc called The Dawn Wall, which is supposed to pack more of an emotional weight. I look forward to seeing that asap.