Free Solo

About This Movie

Free Solo is a tense look into the mind of Alex Honnold, who tackles the sheer face of El Capitan without any ropes. The cinematography captures the dizzying heights and the raw beauty of Yosemite, making you feel both small and exhilarated. There's this palpable tension throughout, as you watch him prepare mentally and physically—it's not just about the climb, but what drives someone to attempt it. The documentary doesn’t shy away from the risks involved, blending moments of introspective personal life with heart-stopping climbing sequences. The pacing feels deliberate, allowing you to really soak in both the danger and the artistry of the ascent. Chin and the crew’s seamless work here is what sets it apart from other adventure docs.

Director: Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi · Runtime: 100 minutes, released by National Geographic · Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2019 · Filmed over multiple years with extensive safety protocols