Review of Everest (2015) by Foxgrove — 27 Sep 2015

That the delights of climbing Mount Everest would be fairly resistible to most people is ably demonstrated in Everest, a well written and exciting adventure yarn that may be just a tad overlong. Based on a true story about one particular expedition that, due to appalling weather conditions, resulted in the loss of lives and the shattering of others. From the beginning the film successfully draws us into the necessary preparation needed to undertake such a massive venture and the pace, though measured, keeps one constantly engaged. Once on the climb things become quite tense. Stunning visuals of the mountain from all sides are sure to give vertigo sufferers reason to look away even if it is these snow swept images that provide the film with its tension. The camera work is truly amazing. Ditto the stunning sound which realistically captures avalanches and swirling winds in all their horrific beauty.

An eclectic cast play second fiddle to the elements of nature, but in a very small role Keira Knightley proves once again what an under rated actress she is. Emily Watson is also strong with a great accent and it is about time that Jason Clarke was afforded a leading role like the one he has here. On the mountain, due to the constraints of the clothing, one sometime loses track of who is who. Also certain plot points are a bit vague (what was going on with the oxygen?). Overall, however, the film is surprisingly better than the conventional disaster movie that one had feared would be its template, and is often quite moving.