‘Everest: The Other Side’ Review: The ‘Free Solo’ Directors Return With Another Extreme Sports Doc, This Time Tainted by Tragedy
“Because it’s there” is the famous, possibly apocryphal, reply attributed to British mountaineer George Mallory when asked why he wanted to climb Mount Everest. Unlike present-day climber Jim Morrison, Mallory didn’t also want to ski down it. But doesn’t the same non-answer apply
The documentary "Everest: The Other Side" marks the return of filmmakers Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, known for their Oscar-winning film "Free Solo." This new film explores the extreme sport of climbing and skiing down Mount Everest, but it's unfortunately tainted by tragedy. The docu follows a team of climbers, including Jim Morrison, who attempt to conquer the mountain from the less-traveled northern side.
The fact that tragedy has befallen this expedition adds a somber tone to the film, which is likely to resonate with audiences. The documentary genre has seen a surge in extreme sports films in recent years, with audiences drawn to the thrill and danger of these activities. The success of "Free Solo" and now "Everest: The Other Side" shows that viewers are eager for stories of human endurance and achievement in the face of incredible challenges.
As the documentary film industry continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see more films like "Everest: The Other Side" that push the boundaries of storytelling and human experience. For fans of extreme sports and documentary filmmaking, the next project from Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi is definitely one to watch. Keep an eye out for their future collaborations, which are sure to be just as captivating and thought-provoking.
Originally reported by variety.com. TriviaNewsletter adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.