Greetings again from the darkness. Simply perusing the list of documentaries helmed by Jennifer Peedom (SHERPA, 2015; MOUNTAIN, 2017; RIVER, 2021) gives the impression that she’s not one to spend most days lounging in the recliner watching network television. While her latest is not a documentary film, she co-wrote with Luke Davies (LION, 2016) and based it on a true story written by Ed Douglas in his 2003 book, “Tenzing: Hero of Everest”. It’s a story most aren’t familiar with, or more accurately, it’s about a man most aren’t familiar with.
Edmund Hillary is credited as being the first climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953, but this story begins much earlier. In the 1920’s, a very young Himalayan, Tenzing Norgay (Samdrup Dorje Lama), met legendary adventurer George Mallory (Johnny Flynn in a brief scene) and asked to go along on the expedition. An older Tenzing (Tenzin Dalha) pursues love with Dawa (Thinley Llhamo) while continuing his climbing and love for Chomolungma, the Tibetan name for Everest. Adult Tenzing (Genden Phunstok) is recognized as the premier guide on the mountain and is selected by Captain John Hunt (Willem Dafoe) to guide the British expedition in 1953.
Bouncing between the time periods reinforces Tenzing’s spiritual respect for the mountain and commitment to one day reaching the summit. On the British expedition, he bonds with Edmund Hillary (Tom Hiddleston). As a New Zealander, Hillary is treated as an outsider by the Brits, similarly to how Tenzing is treated as an outsider by the native Sherpas. Tenzing’s role as a go-between adds a burden and stress not shared by the other climbers. The stark comparison is made by stating the British climb for the achievement, while Tenzing states, “I climb to know her better”. Ultimately, the outsiders are rewarded for their expertise.
Caitriona Balfre (BELFAST, 2021) appears as Jill Henderson, the coordinator of expeditions and a supporter of Tenzing, yet unfortunately this role and that of Dawa are severely underwritten as the story mostly focuses on the climbers. On the plus side, the photography of Everest and the climb by cinematographer Stefan Duscio (THE DRY, 2020) is at times breathtaking. The use of drones allows us Everest views we haven’t seen before, and we often feel like we have joined the expedition (without the danger or cold feet). This is one that most audiences will be interested in and engage while watching.
The film will premiere in select theaters on October 9, 2026 and globally on Apple TV on October 16, 2026
Excellent reviews as always. I have never heard of the movie “Tenzing” until now but your review has given me strong reasons to check it out. I have often been fascinated by Mount Everest and the real-life expeditions that individuals took to climb it. This review brought to my mind similar movies about Mount Everest which I have seen and loved. For instance, it reminded me about the movie “Everest”. Released in 2015, Baltasar Kormakur’s movie offered a captivating portrait of Mount Everest and the real-life expeditions individuals took to climb it in 1996. One of my favourite disaster films of all-time. Robin Wright at her best in her most emotional role. “Tenzing” seems to fall into the same category of films about Mount Everest. So, I will absolutely consider checking out this film when it hits theatres in Canada.
Here are my thoughts on “Everest”:
Thanks for the tip … I’ve never seen EVEREST from 2015