Watch Beyond the Edge

Beyond the Edge is a thrilling adventure film from 2013 that tells the story of a group of mountain climbers who attempt to conquer the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest. The film is directed by Leanne Pooley and stars Chad Moffitt, Sonam Sherpa, and John Wraight in leading roles. The film follows a team of climbers who are led by Sir Edmund Hillary's son, Peter Hillary, as they embark on a dangerous journey to the summit of Mount Everest. The team includes a diverse group of climbers, ranging from experienced guides to novices who have never set foot on a mountain before. It is a story of courage, determination, and the human spirit and how far one can push themselves.

The movie is based on the real-life events of the first successful ascent of the mountain by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, but Pooley adds her perspective to the story by including accounts from members of the team who were involved in the 1953 expedition. The film intercuts old and new footage, giving the audience a glimpse into the harsh reality of climbing Mount Everest in both times.

Beyond the Edge is not just a movie about mountain climbing. It's a tale about people who have a dream and are willing to take all the chances to achieve it. Some climbers come to terms with memories of previous expeditions gone wrong, and some need to find meaning in their lives. Still, others are in it for the glory of being the first on the summit. The film provides insight into the teamwork, planning, and perseverance required to achieve what may seem impossible.

One of the outstanding aspects of Beyond the Edge is its breathtaking cinematography. The film captures the beauty and danger of climbing a mountain with stunning visuals. The use of a 3D rendition of the mountain helps immerse the audience in the climber's perspective and the enormity of the challenge they face. The filmmakers effectively use the 3D technique to provide a visceral experience like we are experiencing the climb ourselves.

Beyond the Edge's soundtrack is another impressive feature. The music score has a cinematic feel and gives depth to the movie. The music enhances the mood of each scene, creating tension and excitement. The sound effects help to make the climb seem more realistic, especially the sound of icicles crashing and rocks crumbling underfoot.

The actors give solid performances, even though at times, some of the lines feel stilted as if they are reading a script. It brings the audience closer to the action, though, helping us to feel what they're going through. Chad Moffitt gives an excellent performance as Hillary, who holds the expedition together and gets everyone to work together as a team. He brings the character's determination, energy, and charm to life.

Sherpa Sonam is the unsung hero of the movie, as he's the one who leads the expedition up the mountain. He's shown to have extensive knowledge of the terrain and, like Hillary, makes sure everyone is safe. John Wraight plays a journalist covering the expedition and provides a backstory to the first ascent to the top of Mount Everest. His narration lends the film historical context.

The movie's pacing is steady, with the climax delivered in the final act, which keeps the viewers engaged. The final ascent to the summit is the most thrilling part of the movie, and the payoff of the journey. Even if we know the outcome, we still watch it with anticipation as if this are the first people climbing the peak.

In conclusion, Beyond the Edge is a thrilling adventure film that provides an insight into the challenges that climbers face to achieve glory. The documentary-style approach of the film, combined with exceptional cinematography, proves to be an excellent showcase for the treacherous climb up Mount Everest. Pooley curates the film beautifully and makes it a must-watch for anyone who loves adventure or wants to understand what it takes to achieve your goals.

Beyond the Edge is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 59.