This was brilliant. I’m not sure they could have done a better job of telling this story. This is the definitive film about the worst tragedy in Everest history and wow, does it ever pack a punch. The second half when the storm hits is incredibly intense putting you on the edge of your seat as the horrible events unfold.
I’m not sure why Jon Krakauer is so upset over this film. It shows him in a good light and frankly, follows his excellent account in his book Into Thin Air quite closely. I’m sure everything is not completely accurate (depending on your point of view of that night) but I’ve read a lot of different books about this event and I thought it was a great way to tell the story.
Several reviews criticized the film for it’s cold, clinical story telling and lack of emotion. But I didn’t see that at all. Sure, the events are presented as accurately as possible with little sensationalism (which I’m glad for) but there’s emotion here too. The scene with Rob and his wife on the phone together is heartbreaking and I noticed several people around me with tears in their eyes.
This is a story worth being told and Everest does an admirable job of putting you right in the middle of this terrible tragedy. Highly recommended.