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Free Solo 2018

This documentary follows Alex Honnold, a world-class rock climber, as he prepares for an unprecedented and incredibly dangerous feat: ascending El Capitan, a massive granite monolith, without ropes or a safety harness. The film offers an intimate look at Honnold's training, preparation, and the mental focus required for such a daring climb, showcasing both the beauty of the landscape and the immense risks involved in free soloing.

This documentary follows Alex Honnold, a world-class rock climber, as he prepares for an unprecedented and incredibly dangerous feat: ascending El Capitan, a massive granite monolith, without ropes or a safety harness. The film offers an intimate look at Honnold's training, preparation, and the mental focus required for such a daring climb, showcasing both the beauty of the landscape and the immense risks involved in free soloing.

Does Free Solo have end credit scenes?

No!

Free Solo does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Free Solo

Explore the complete cast of Free Solo, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Free Solo

See how Free Solo is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Free Solo stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

78

Free Solo presents a compelling exploration of human ambition through its gripping visual storytelling and emotional depth. Across reviews, the film’s cinematography receives consistent praise for its immersive closeups and vast alpine vistas, while the narrative’s pacing draws both tension and moments of quieter reflection. The portrayal of Alex Honnold offers nuanced insight into risk and personal drive despite occasional detours in the middle section. These qualities coalesce into a documentary that thrills and resonates, earning it a solid standing among contemporary non-fiction films.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Free Solo

90
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, Free Solo excels in its daring cinematography and disciplined editing, delivering extreme closeups of El Capitan’s granite face with remarkable clarity. The direction emphasizes the vertical scale through measured camera movements and uninterrupted sequences. Production design subtly supports the narrative by focusing on natural textures and lighting. Overall, the film achieves a visually arresting presentation.

60
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, Free Solo provides a thoughtful portrait of Alex Honnold’s singular drive and the personal stakes involved. The film balances observational distance with moments of vulnerability, such as candid discussions of fear and relationships. Some viewers note a detached tone in Honnold’s demeanour, but the documentary’s emphasis on his mental preparation offers meaningful insight. Net impression: a nuanced yet occasionally restrained study of its protagonist.

75
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, Free Solo maintains a compelling narrative arc that builds momentum toward the climactic ascent. Early segments establish Honnold’s training regimen and interpersonal tensions, though a few critics mention a softer middle section that slows pacing. The documentary’s originality lies in its combination of technical detail and human drama, sustaining engagement through rising stakes and clear progression. Overall, the structure delivers a satisfying and suspenseful journey.

85
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

When considering sensory experience, Free Solo offers an immersive soundscape of breath, gear movement, and ambient wind that heightens tension. The minimalist soundtrack underscores key moments without overshadowing natural audio cues, while visual style unifies closeups and wide vistas through consistent color grading. Reviewers highlight the visceral impact of these elements in conveying the climber’s environment. The net effect is a highly engaging sensory presentation.

65
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

For rewatch factor, Free Solo has strong initial impact thanks to its high-stakes subject matter and striking visuals, though its effect may diminish on repeat viewing. The technical documentation of climbing techniques and the emotional stakes hold some lasting appeal, yet the immediacy of danger is harder to recapture. Still, enthusiasts of mountaineering and documentary craft will find value revisiting its precise sequences. Overall, moderate replay value driven by spectacle and craft.

Metacritic

83

Metascore

8.1

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

97%

TOMATOMETER

review

93%

User Score

IMDb

8.1 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

79

%

User Score

Letterboxd

4.1

From 667 fan ratings

Movie Insider

4.00/5

From 3 fan ratings

Awards & Nominations for Free Solo

Explore awards

Discover all the awards and nominations received by Free Solo, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how Free Solo and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


91st Academy Awards 2019

Win

Documentary (Feature)

72nd British Academy Film Awards 2019

Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi
Win

Best Documentary

Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi

71st Directors Guild of America Awards 2019

Nomination

Documentaries

2018 Toronto International Film Festival Awards 2018

Win

People's Choice Award: Documentary

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Free Solo

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Free Solo. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Free Solo - Trailer | National Geographic

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


rock climbingclimbingfree solo climbingboyfriend girlfriend relationshiptv interviewradio interviewmotivational speakeryear 2016book signingmrisprained anklebuying a houselas vegas nevadaunicorn costumeel capitan yosemite national park californiahalf dome yosemte national park californiamoonlight buttress zion national park utahyosemite national park californiazion national park utahmountain climbingoverhead camera shotvoice over dialoguemicrophonedangertrainprologuescene during opening creditsaudienceliving in a vanairportyear 2008year 2018fearpanicnational geographic magazinesubjective camerafather son relationshipcookingphysical exercise19 year oldman in a showercomputeryear 2009time lapse photographybicyclecameranewspaper headlinenewspaperobsessionphotograph

Articles, Reviews & Explainers About Free Solo

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