Tenzing

Through drone technology, “Tenzing” transports us to a bird’s-eye view few people will ever see. Every shot of the snowy, stark mountain landscape feels like 8K. Paired with a crisp sound design, the film becomes quite immersive. The crunch of the snow and every emphasized exhale in the thin air feel familiar, yet create a deep unease, knowing every step is on uncertain ground.

At its best, Tenzing is a personal story and a fascinating exploration of the varied local culture’s relationship to the as-of-yet untamed deity.

While the film could be touted as a portrait of faith and hard work, it’s also about the people who carry that dream with you. And when Tenzing reaches the top, it earns every emotion waiting there.

This earnest picture gives the expedition the proper grandeur and sense of danger, and the performances (including Tom Hiddleston as Hillary) are nicely restrained. But some narrative choices and an overly tasteful treatment end up undercutting what should be a stirring spectacle.

Tenzing may tell a remarkable story about a remarkable man, but the film struggles to resonate emotionally. It’s competently made, well-acted, and beautifully shot, yet something is certainly missing from Tenzing Norgay’s ascent to the big-screen.

If you can make it through the first hour, Duscio’s cinematic compositions and that score might find you succumbing to “Tenzing’s” predictable charms. You might fall for a portrait of history that deserves a spotlight.

Phuntsok and Hiddleston are pleasant to watch and share a nice, friendly chemistry, with Tenzing as the relatively more excitable one and Hillary as the quieter one. But I couldn’t tell you what brings them together, other than a vague understanding that they both love climbing and both feel like outsiders within the team.