Everest Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Rich people pay a fortune to climb a mountain, things go wrong, and now they have really expensive frostbite.

🍿 Everest: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Setting the Stage: The Commercialization of Everest

The film opens by introducing Rob Hall, a seasoned mountaineer who pioneered guided climbs on Mount Everest. By 1996, guided tours had become a commercial venture, attracting climbers of varying experience levels willing to pay for a chance to summit the world’s highest peak. Hall’s company, Adventure Consultants, prepares for another expedition, highlighting the growing demand and potential risks associated with increased traffic on the mountain.

The Team Assembles and Prepares

The expedition team includes a diverse group of climbers: Beck Weathers, an experienced but troubled Texan; Doug Hansen, a determined mailman; and Yasuko Namba, a Japanese climber seeking to complete the Seven Summits. As they arrive at base camp, the film showcases the rigorous acclimatization process and the physical demands of preparing for the ascent. Rob Hall emphasizes the dangers and the importance of teamwork.

The Ascent Begins

The film vividly portrays the challenges of climbing Everest, including treacherous icefalls, extreme weather conditions, and the debilitating effects of altitude sickness. Rob Hall and Scott Fischer, leaders of competing expeditions, agree to coordinate their efforts to manage the increasing number of climbers and avoid bottlenecks at critical points like the Hillary Step. The initial stages of the ascent test the climbers’ physical and mental endurance.

Disaster Strikes on Summit Day

On May 10, 1996, the climbers make their final push for the summit. Delays and miscalculations, including the absence of fixed ropes, create significant setbacks. Doug Hansen struggles with the altitude, and Beck Weathers experiences vision problems. Despite the challenges, several climbers, including Rob Hall and Yasuko Namba, reach the summit. The descent, however, proves far more perilous as a sudden and violent blizzard engulfs the mountain.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rob Hall (Jason Clarke): The experienced and responsible leader of Adventure Consultants, determined to guide his clients safely to the summit of Everest.
• Scott Fischer (Jake Gyllenhaal): The head of Mountain Madness, known for his risk-taking and competitive spirit on the Everest expedition.
• Beck Weathers (Josh Brolin): A determined and experienced climber who faces a near-death experience on Everest, changing his perspective on life.
• Doug Hansen (John Hawkes): A humble mailman determined to reach the summit of Everest against all odds, despite his limited experience.
• Yasuko Namba (Naoko Mori): A Japanese mountaineer aiming to complete the Seven Summits, facing the ultimate challenge on Everest.
• Helen Wilton (Emily Watson): The dedicated base camp manager for Adventure Consultants, providing crucial support during the Everest climb.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rob Hall: “Human beings simply aren’t built to function at the cruising altitude of a 747.” – Rob Hall explains to his clients the extreme dangers and physiological challenges of climbing Everest.
• Doug Hansen: “I’m a goddamn postal worker. What am I doing here?” – Doug expresses his self-doubt and the surreality of his Everest climb during a difficult moment.
• Rob Hall: “We’re going to have to turn around, Doug.” – Rob makes the difficult but responsible decision to turn back a client showing signs of exhaustion.
• Jan Arnold: “Promise me you’ll come home.” – Jan pleads with Rob before his departure, foreshadowing the tragic events to come.
• Rob Hall: “I’m bloody sorry I got you into this.” – Hall’s last words over radio to his wife, Jan, expressing remorse for the situation as he succumbs to the elements.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $55,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $43,482,270
• Worldwide Gross: $203,427,584

💥 Everest Reviews

Personal Review

I was truly captivated by the sheer scale of ‘Everest.’ The visuals are breathtaking. There were moments, especially during the storm, where I felt like I was right there with the climbers. But the emotional impact felt muted. I wish I had felt more connected to the characters before the tragedy struck. The scene where Rob calls his wife made me tear up because there was so much emotion between the two characters. The rescue scene with Beck Weathers coming back to camp was a highlight – showing the resilience of the human spirit.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of survival dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in mountaineering”
  • “Those who appreciate visually stunning films”
  • “People who enjoy true story adaptations”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense scenes of peril”
  • “Graphic depictions of death and injury”
  • “Strong language”
  • “May be emotionally disturbing for sensitive viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Though visually stunning, ‘Everest’ suffers from a lack of character development. The disaster is compelling, but the emotional connection to the climbers feels thin, leaving the audience detached from their struggle for survival.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Impressive visuals and a gripping story can’t quite overcome ‘Everest’s’ uneven pacing and shallow characterizations. It’s a technically proficient film but lacks the emotional depth to truly resonate with the viewer.
• Empire: “‘Everest’ is a visceral and immersive experience, putting you right in the heart of the storm. Though character development is sacrificed for spectacle, the sheer intensity of the mountain’s fury makes for a gripping watch.

Audience Reactions

The visuals are absolutely stunning and really put you in the heart of the mountain.: The cinematography and visual effects were universally praised, creating an immersive viewing experience.

It’s a harrowing tale that shows the brutal reality of climbing Everest.: Most viewers appreciated the film’s unflinching portrayal of the dangers and challenges of mountaineering.

Overall Consensus: Visually stunning and intense, but lacks depth in character development, resulting in a somewhat detached emotional experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot on location in Nepal, at the Everest Base Camp, as well as in the Italian Alps and Pinewood Studios in the UK to recreate the mountain environment.”
• “Director Baltasar Kormákur aimed for a high degree of realism, using practical effects and minimal CGI to convey the harsh conditions of the mountain.”
• “Several actors underwent mountaineering training to prepare for their roles and understand the physical demands of climbing Everest.”
• “The filmmakers consulted with surviving climbers and family members of those who perished in the 1996 disaster to ensure accuracy and sensitivity in their portrayal of the events.”

🖥️ How to Watch Everest?

Everest is available for streaming on platforms such as Prime Video, Paramount+, and fuboTV with a subscription. You can also rent or purchase the movie on demand via Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Everest, you might like these similar films:

• Touching the Void (2003): A gripping documentary about two climbers’ harrowing survival after a fall in the Andes, emphasizing the will to live against impossible odds.
• The Impossible (2012): Focuses on a family’s struggle to survive and reunite after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, highlighting themes of survival and resilience amidst natural disaster.
• Alive (1993): Based on the true story of a rugby team who survived a plane crash in the Andes and resorted to extreme measures, showcasing human endurance and the will to survive.
• The Martian (2015): An astronaut stranded on Mars uses his ingenuity to survive, displaying resourcefulness and determination in an extreme environment.

🛒 Everest Related Products

• Everest: The IMAX Experience [Blu-ray]: Experience the mountain in stunning high-definition, bringing the scale and intensity of Everest into your home theater. Includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.
• Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer: A gripping first-hand account of the 1996 Everest disaster, providing deeper insights into the events and characters portrayed in the film.
• LEGO City Arctic Explorer Snowmobile 60376 Building Toy Set, Fun Gift for Kids, Boys, and Girls Ages 5+: Spark imaginative play with this snowmobile toy, perfect for little explorers. Recreate Arctic adventures, promoting creativity and storytelling.
• Everest Movie Poster Print – Wall Art: High-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, capturing the grandeur and peril of the mountain. A perfect addition to any movie fan’s collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

Everest features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hypersomnia” – performed by Christopher Benstead
• “Leaving Base Camp” – performed by Dario Marianelli
• “Point of No Return” – performed by Dario Marianelli

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The survivors of Mt Everest’s worst 36 hour tragedy (1996) | 60 Minutes Australia

Watch this gripping documentary to hear firsthand accounts from survivors of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, which inspired the movie. It’s a powerful reminder of the dangers and challenges faced by those who attempt to conquer the world’s highest peak.

The Sad Truth About Mount Everest

Doctor Mike breaks down the grim realities of climbing Mount Everest, including the staggering death toll and the environmental impact. It’s a sobering look at the risks and sacrifices involved in pursuing this iconic mountaineering challenge.

Why do people climb Mt Everest?

Join Ray William Johnson for a fun and thought-provoking discussion on why people risk their lives to climb Mount Everest. His comedic insights will make you laugh and think.

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