"Summit Fever" takes viewers on a breathtaking journey into the world of mountain climbing, delivering visually resplendent sequences that capture the exhilaration of scaling peaks. However, the film struggles to maintain a solid narrative foothold.
Directed by Julian Gilbey, the film boasts an impressive level of authenticity by placing actors on real rock faces, including the Eiger, Matterhorn, and Mont Blanc mountains. These super-authentic climbing sequences provide a tactile familiarity that immerses the audience in the mountaineering experience, even for non-climbers. Unfortunately, the film falters when it comes to the plot, which revolves around a rather ludicrous storyline about addiction to peak-scaling.
Freddie Thorp portrays Michael, a newcomer to the mountaineering world who has left behind his finance job to pursue the dream of climbing in Chamonix. Encouraged by his boisterous climbing partner JP (Michel Biel), Michael begins pushing his limits on the treacherous slopes of the region, starting with the vertigo-inducing Dent du Géant. Initially overshadowed by the seasoned American climber Leo (Ryan Phillippe), Michael soon finds his place among the youthful and daring local scene, including a budding romance with Isabelle (Mathilde Warnier), a French ski guide.
The climbing sequences in "Summit Fever" are genuinely exhilarating. Monumental drone shots capture minuscule figures scaling massive rock faces, while detailed crag-side scenes provide blow-by-blow accounts of the climbers' efforts. The filmmakers demonstrate a deep understanding of mountaineering, despite a few low-budget limitations. The grandeur of alpine vistas illuminated by lightning during the final storm sequence effectively transports viewers alongside the climbers, surpassing even the efforts of Hollywood blockbusters like 2015's "Everest."
However, the film's plot fails to live up to the visual spectacle. The storyline, centered around the theme of adrenalized hubris, falls into clichéd territory, lacking nuance. Characters deliver contradictory messages about respecting the mountains while indulging in reckless actions, diminishing the impact of the film's philosophical aspirations. Warnier's character, in particular, is left underdeveloped, relegated to the role of a stranded love interest. Despite its physical prowess, "Summit Fever" finds a semblance of rhythm towards the end, but it falls short compared to the more substantial exploration of obsession found in last year's "The Summit of the Gods."
In conclusion, "Summit Fever" offers a dizzying and visually stunning portrayal of mountain climbing, capturing the thrill and danger of scaling peaks. However, the film's weak and clichéd plot detracts from its overall impact. While it delivers on the physicality of the mountaineering experience, it struggles to provide a narrative that matches the grandeur of its visuals.
Summit Fever (2022) - info
- Release date: October 13, 2022
- Genre: Adventure, Thriller
- Director: Julian Gilbey
- Writer: Julian Gilbey
- Stars: Ryan Phillippe, Hannah New, Freddie Thorp