The Climb Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two dudes cycle through life, one ruining the other’s love life repeatedly, proving that some friendships are built on spite and questionable choices.

🍿 The Climb: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Bicycle Confession

The film opens with Kyle and Mike cycling through the French countryside. Mike casually drops the bombshell that he slept with Kyle’s fiancée, Marissa, during a grueling uphill climb. Kyle’s shock and anger are palpable, setting the stage for their complicated relationship. This opening scene establishes the film’s dark comedic tone and long-take style.

Years of Tumultuous Friendship

The film jumps through several years, depicting various moments in Kyle and Mike’s lives. Kyle struggles to maintain relationships while Mike consistently sabotages them, either intentionally or unintentionally. These vignettes showcase the push and pull of their co-dependent dynamic, fraught with laughter, heartbreak, and explosive arguments.

Mike’s Destructive Tendencies

Mike’s actions have far-reaching consequences for Kyle. From ruining Kyle’s wedding to causing chaos at family gatherings, Mike’s presence is a constant source of stress. Despite these recurring disruptions, Kyle continues to allow Mike back into his life, hinting at a deeper, more complex connection.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kyle (Kyle Marvin): The good-natured but somewhat passive friend who endures a tumultuous friendship with Mike over many years.
• Mike (Michael Angelo Covino): The unreliable and often destructive friend whose actions constantly test the limits of his friendship with Kyle.
• Marissa (Gayle Rankin): Kyle’s long-suffering girlfriend and later wife who struggles to understand his bond with Mike.
• Suzi (Talia Balsam): Kyle’s mother who is very protective of her son and distrustful of Mike.
• Ava (Judith Godrèche): Mike’s French girlfriend who brings a new dynamic to the friendship.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mike: “I slept with Ava.” – Mike nonchalantly reveals to Kyle that he slept with his fiancée, Ava, during a bike ride, setting the stage for the movie’s central conflict.
• Kyle: “I’ll kill you!” – Kyle’s initial reaction to Mike’s confession during the bike ride, expressing his immediate anger and betrayal.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $234,429
• Worldwide Gross: $711,639

💥 The Climb Reviews

Personal Review

I wasn’t sure what to expect going in, but The Climb really surprised me. The way the film is shot, with those long, unbroken takes, is just incredible and so engaging! The acting felt so real. I cringed so many times. It made me think about those friendships that are weirdly destructive but somehow last forever. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for something different and a bit uncomfortable.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent films”
  • “Viewers interested in dark comedies”
  • “People who enjoy stories about complex friendships”
  • “Those who appreciate unique cinematography and long-take filmmaking”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Alcohol use”
  • “Adult themes”
  • “Male nudity”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Covino’s direction is sharp, and the long takes create a unique and immersive experience. The film explores the complexities of male friendship with humor and a surprising amount of heart, even if the characters can be frustrating at times. A unique take on the bromance.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A well-observed film about the tumultuous yet enduring nature of male friendship. The chemistry between Marvin and Covino is undeniable, making even the most cringe-worthy moments feel authentic. While the premise is simple, the execution is anything but.
• The Guardian: “The film’s long takes are technically impressive, but sometimes at the expense of emotional depth. While funny and often uncomfortable, The Climb offers a worthwhile, if uneven, look at a complicated friendship.

Audience Reactions

The long takes were mesmerizing and really drew me into the story.: The unique cinematography and authentic portrayal of friendship were commonly praised.

I laughed, I cringed, I questioned my own friendships.: Viewers appreciated the film’s humor, but many found the characters unlikeable or frustrating.

Overall Consensus: The Climb is a unique and often uncomfortable dramedy that explores the complexities of male friendship through impressive long takes and relatable, if flawed, characters. While divisive, it offers a memorable cinematic experience.

Awards

1. Cannes Film Festival (Coup de Coeur)- 2019

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the real-life friendship of Kyle Marvin and Michael Angelo Covino, who also co-wrote and starred in the movie.”
• “Many scenes were filmed in long, unbroken takes, showcasing the actors’ performance and the director’s meticulous planning.”
• “The opening scene, where Mike confesses to sleeping with Kyle’s fiancée while cycling, was filmed on the Col de Vence in France.”
• “The movie’s soundtrack features French songs, adding to the film’s European feel and reflecting the characters’ tastes.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Climb?

As of October 2024, “The Climb” is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming platform for current availability and pricing. It’s also available on DVD and Blu-ray, often found at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Climb, you might like these similar films:

• Sideways (2004): Explores male friendship with its complexities and flaws amidst a backdrop of personal crises and road trips.
• The Squid and the Whale (2005): Deals with family dysfunction and the impact of flawed characters on relationships, similar to the messy dynamics in ‘The Climb’.
• Frances Ha (2012): Focuses on the challenges of friendship and growing up, with a similar indie film style and character-driven narrative.

🛒 The Climb Related Products

• Cycling Jersey – ‘The Climb’ Movie Inspired: High-performance cycling jersey featuring a design inspired by the iconic cycling scene from ‘The Climb’. Made with breathable, moisture-wicking fabric for optimal comfort on long rides.
• The Climb (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – Digital Download: Relive the film’s memorable moments with the complete soundtrack, including ‘Too Good (Trop Beau)’ by Gilbert Bécaud and other French classics that set the tone for this quirky drama.
• Friendship is a Difficult Climb T-Shirt: A comfortable tee featuring a key quote from the film, making it a great conversation starter.
• The Climb (Blu-Ray Collector’s Edition): Limited edition Blu-Ray including behind-the-scenes footage, director’s commentary, and extended scenes. Features unique packaging and artwork, making it a valuable addition to any film collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Too Good (Trop Beau)” – performed by Gilbert Bécaud
• “Le Grand Amour” – performed by Soundtrack featured in the film

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Climbers Break Down Vertical Limit

Ever wondered how realistic *Vertical Limit* actually is? These climbers break it down and honestly, some of the inaccuracies are hilarious! Definitely worth a watch for a good laugh and some insider perspective.

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