Everest Review: Climbing Adequately High

“Human beings simply aren’t built to function at the cruising altitude of a 747. Our bodies will be literally dying”, explains Jason Clarke’s character Rob Hall in the drama/thriller Everest.

Directed by Baltasar Kormákur and produced by Brandt Andersen, Everest will quite literally send chills down your spine as you watch climbers make the perilous journey to the top of the world. Getting to the top is easy. It’s getting down that is the difficult part.

From the start, the film firmly grasps the attention of viewers, and it never lets go. With excellent special effects and camera work, it was hard to look away.

Throughout the film new challenges, conditions, and obstacles develop. However, one thing that the film lacks is character development. We really don’t see a whole lot of change in many of the characters, seeing as to how the mountain has the limelight in the film. 

In addition to little detail into the character’s personalities, the film also lacks in a “big finish”. I’m not going to reveal too much, so all I will say is, at the end of the movie, there isn’t really a “wow” moment. Everest leaves its viewers feeling numb, as the scenes of the movie play back in their minds.

It is for these reasons that Everest will not win best film of the year. However, I wouldn’t let this keep you from seeing this movie. Though it wasn’t the best that I’ve ever seen, the film is certainly worth seeing, and very well put together.
Overall, I recommend it to people seeking the thrill of adventure, but not to those that are used to Disney feel-good movie endings. Happy movie-going!