Watch The Dark Side of Everest

The Dark Side of Everest is a documentary film which captures the 2019 climbing season of the Mount Everest. Led by seasoned climber Pete Athans and British aristocrat and adventurer Zam Baring, a team of climbers sets to climb the highest peak of the world. However, amidst their grit and determination, lies an eerie feeling of foreboding. The film showcases the risks and perils involved in climbing Everest, and how this team navigates through them.

The documentary starts with a brief insight into the background and achievements of Pete Athans and his love for the mountains. Alongside him, we see Zam Baring, a man with a strong will to test his limits and defy the tag of 'rich adventure junkie'. The film then covers the preparations and precautions taken by the team before setting foot on the mountain. In a bid to minimize fatalities, the team is equipped with oxygen tanks, warm clothes, and necessary medical facilities.

As the team begins climbing the mountain, the documentary delves into the risks and challenges involved in climbing the world's highest peak. The climbers have to brave chilling temperatures, lack of oxygen, and a treacherous terrain. With Pete Athans' guidance, the team navigates through crevasses and ice formations, leading up to the higher altitudes of the mountain.

Throughout the climb, we see individual stories of the climbers and their struggles. One of the climbers, exhausted and out of breath, decides to abandon the climb midway. As the climb gets more challenging, the Sherpa guides cook food and provide psychological support to the climbers. The documentaries transport viewers to the mountains and conveys every cliffhanging moment with utmost realism.

The documentary doesn't shy away from showcasing the risks involved in summiting Everest. We see the remains of some of the climbers who lost their lives on the mountain in previous expeditions. The dangers of high altitude and the consequences of not following the mountaineering protocols are presented explicitly. The climbers are continually advised to remain mindful of the environmental impact of their expedition.

As the climbers push further up the mountain, we see the toll it takes on their mental and physical health. With the unrelenting weather and the limited time to reach the summit, the climbers have to push their limits. The tension of the final climb is palpable, as the climbers lay down everything they have to reach the summit. Through this part, the documentary captures the unpredictable nature of the Everest and the risks involved in pushing oneself too hard.

The final sequence of the movie is full of surprises and moments of intense drama. The team finally reaches the summit, and the feeling of euphoria is palpable. However, the return journey proves to be treacherous as the climbers have to battle fatigue and exhaustion. The descent is a test of trust and resilience for the climbers as they rely on each other to reach the base camp safely.

Overall, The Dark Side of Everest showcases the thrilling and perilous journey of climbing Everest. It provides an insight into the lives of mountaineers and the challenges they face in their pursuit of adventure. The documentary is a perfect amalgamation of breathtaking shots, captivating storytelling, and raw emotions. Through its runtime, it leaves the audiences on the edge of their seats and evokes a sense of wonder and respect for the mighty mountains.

The Dark Side of Everest is a 1970 documentary with a runtime of 47 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.