Review of Free Solo (2018) by Todd H — 22 Oct 2018

"Free Solo" is not just about rock climbing. It is an incomplete, but exhilarating look at a man doing what no one else would even contemplate doing. Honnold is an extraordinary rock climber. But he also has a focus and emotional detachment, even when facing the strong possibility of dying, that reminds me of the great explorers of past centuries. Explorers that were told they'd sail off the earth when crossing the ocean, or potentially bounce off the earth's atmosphere or burn up in the atmosphere when returning from the moon. Surviving was part of the equation but the certainty of death with even a minor mistake was absolute.

What makes "Free Solo" so good are those rare intimate moments when you get a bit of insight into his thinking and emotions. It's an amazing portrait of a man and an athlete at the pinnacle of his career.