Watch Free Solo

Alex Honnold is a professional rock climber who set out to achieve the ultimate feat in his sport: to climb El Capitan, a 3,000-foot-high vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park, without any ropes or safety equipment. This daring climb, known as free soloing, had never been done before and was considered by many to be impossible.

Free Solo is a documentary film that chronicles Alex Honnold’s journey to achieve this seemingly impossible goal. The film follows Honnold as he prepares for his climb by meticulously studying the route, practicing multiple times with ropes and safety gear, and working with his team to minimize any potential risks. The film also explores the physical and psychological demands of the sport, the pressure of attempting to free solo such a daunting climb, and the impact it had on Honnold’s personal life.

Free Solo does not simply focus on the physical feat, but also delves deeply into the emotional challenges that Honnold experiences along the way. The film explores his relationships with his girlfriend and his friends, and how these relationships impact his climb. It also delves into Honnold’s personal history and his struggle with anxiety, and how these factors all come into play as he prepares for his historic climb.

One of the most striking aspects of Free Solo is its stunning visual sequences. The film was shot entirely on location in Yosemite National Park and features breathtaking aerial shots of Honnold as he makes his way up the rock face. The film also captures the beauty and majesty of the park itself, from its towering rock formations to its sweeping vistas. These elements combine to create a truly immersive viewing experience that is both visually stunning and emotionally engaging.

The film includes interviews with Honnold, his girlfriend, and his team, including renowned climber Tommy Caldwell and filmmaker Jimmy Chin. These interviews provide insights into Honnold’s personality, his motivations, and the challenges he faced as he prepared for his climb.

Free Solo premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in August 2018 to critical acclaim, winning the Audience Award for documentary films. The film was directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, and was produced by National Geographic Documentary Films.

In conclusion, Free Solo is a remarkable film that explores the incredible physical and psychological demands of free soloing, and the personal motivations that drive a climber to attempt such a daunting feat. The film is visually stunning, emotionally engaging, and provides a unique glimpse into the world of one of the greatest rock climbers of our time.

Free Solo is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1 and a MetaScore of 83.