In June 2017, professional rock climber Alex Honnold became the first person to ever free solo the 3,000-foot Freerider route on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.
He did it without ropes, harnesses, or any protective equipment—completing the climb in just 3 hours and 56 minutes.
Thanks to Harrison Lazarus, Nancy Jong, Brian Savelson, Todd Raphael and Isa Adney for moving this up in our queue.
Trailer for “Free Solo”
You Can’t Make This Sh*t Up
- During his MRI scan, it was revealed that Alex’s amygdala—the part of the brain responsible for fear—showed almost no activity in response to terrifying stimuli, including the prospect of free soloing El Capitan.
- The crew faced the very real possibility of filming Alex’s death, which led to intense ethical debates and elaborate planning to capture 700 hours of footage without distracting or endangering him.
- Alex completes the climb in under four hours—without falling. This kind of feat, in itself, would make even the most experienced climbers shudder.
Watch “Free Solo”
You can watch “Free Solo” on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. For more streaming options, visit JustWatch.
Ratings:
- My Rating: 95/100
- IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 97/100 (Critics); 93/100 (Users)
Director’s Note
This film is directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, the duo behind “Meru“(2015). Their approach is both intimate and breathtaking, capturing not only the physical challenge of the climb but the emotional and psychological battle Honnold faces as he prepares for the impossible feat. Chin also directed The Rescue, a doc about a missing Thai soccer team and their coach in Tham Luang cave.
Release Date:
Premiere: September 28, 2018 (Film Festival)
Theatrical Release: October 5, 2018
My Review of “Free Solo”
The Setup
“Free Solo” is more than just a sports documentary—it’s a psychological exploration of one man’s obsession with climbing and the extreme lengths he’s willing to go to conquer his fear. The film documents Alex Honnold’s solo ascent of El Capitan, offering a window into his mind as he prepares for the most dangerous climb in history.
More Highlights from the Doc
- As Alex prepares for the climb, he revisits his life, relationship, and childhood, revealing how his unorthodox, single-minded approach to life prepared him for this moment.
- The filmmakers use stunning aerial shots to convey the sheer scale and terrifying nature of the climb. The sheer size of El Capitan, seen from the climber’s perspective, brings out the anxiety and danger of the ascent.
Cameos
- There aren’t many celebrity cameos, but there is some insightful commentary from renowned climbers, psychologists, and Alex’s friends, including Tommy Caldwell, one of the world’s best climbers, who plays a crucial role in Alex’s preparations.
Lesser-Known Details from the Doc
- Alex’s approach to climbing is contrasted with his personal relationships, particularly with his girlfriend Sanni, who struggles with her fear of losing him. The film subtly portrays the emotional cost of Alex’s pursuit.
- The filming process itself is a monumental task. The crew had to carefully plan out how they would film such an intense and dangerous climb without interfering with Alex’s performance or endangering their lives.
- Alex’s minimalist lifestyle, which includes living in a van, is examined as part of his approach to climbing and life in general. His obsession with climbing and simplicity borders on the extreme, often raising questions about his social connections and emotional world.
Wrap Up
“Free Solo” isn’t just about climbing; it’s about the depths of human determination and the struggle against fear. If you’ve ever wondered what makes someone push themselves to the edge of life and death, this documentary gives a haunting glimpse into that mindset.
Thanks for reading!
Heather Fenty, Guest Writer, Daily Doc