James Davis ’18

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Based on true events, Everest, released in September, tells a captivating story of several groups of adventurers from all over the world trying to reach the top of Mount Everest.

Highly decorated filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur directed this thriller. He was born in Iceland which prepared him for one of the main filming venues, icy Nepal.

Since its release the film has grossed $137 million and is one of my favorites thanks the incredible acting of the whole cast.

The film tells the tale of several groups of adventures trying to reach the peak of Mount Everest.

Jason Clarke plays the role of Rob Hall, a climbing guide for one of the groups. Hall’s wife Jan is due to have a baby close to the time that Rob would get back. This gives Rob a true drive to make it back home to his wife and child. Rob shows the devotion not only to his family but also to his clients. Hall understands the clients’ urge to reach the top, but he also has to take into account their safety and know when to turn around and head down.

Hall has one client, Doug Hansen (played by John Hawkes), who didn’t make it to the peak the year prior and is trying once again to reach the top.  Hansen ends up causing the suffering and death off multiple people because he wanted to reach the top.

Everest has gained the attention of critics, most saying that it depicts the true beauty and power of Nature. One character aptly notes that humans aren’t made to survive at the cruising altitude of a 747. At its summit, Mount Everest is 29,029 feet above sea level. The air is 66% thinner, making is very difficult for the body’s muscles to function, a necessity for survival.

Everest allows the viewer to understand just how unpredictable and dangerous scaling Mount Everest is, one of the most deadly places on earth.