Review of Everest (2015) by Nikki S — 29 Feb 2016

Bleak, chilling, and well-told, Everest is a movie that tells a story filled with heroism, tragedy and wonderment, much like its namesake. The film tells the story of the ill-fated 1996 quest to summit the mountain, the one in which writer John Krakuer embedded to bring forth a first-person account of such a daring and, some would say, arrogant adventure.

What I appreciated most about Everest was that it was more than a by-the-numbers "based on a true story" tragedy. Instead, it took good care transporting the audience to what it was like on the Mountain. Much like the world the climbers were escaping, the Mountain was full of rivalries and big egos, all vying for position for the vaunted summit. The film relates these dynamics well and with respect. The climb, relentlessly foreboding and arduous, is captured like I haven't seen before. We see the drive, the futility, and the ambition that propels the climbers forward in which doom awaits. The characterizations are effective and the film is anything if not impacting.

There is a criticism to be had that Everest is a bit too stuffed, overcrowded with characters and therefore hard to track with. I think part of this speaks to the film's authenticity and the wish to give everyone their due, but there is certainly some validity to it. We don't completely identify with everyone because there are so many things going on, the film has to juggle with timelines, events, and personal tragedies, all within a limited time. What we do get, however, feels real-with very strong performances and themes that can resonate with anyone.

4/5 Stars.