The Climb (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
The Climb is a 2020 comedy drama starring Michael Angelo Covino as Mike, Kyle Marvin and Judith Godrèche. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes and earned $711,639 worldwide on a $3 million budget. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best First Feature at the Spirit Awards 2020. Critics gave it 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and 82 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 38m (98 min)
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Sony Pictures Classics
- Budget
- $3M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Climb About?
The premise of The Climb without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
A poignant story about male friendship, it explores the complexities of a lifelong bond tested by betrayal and emotional pain. Kyle and Mike experience moments of laughter, sadness, and anger as their relationship is pushed to its limits. The film reveals the raw beauty and humor found within the most authentic connections, examining the challenges and resilience of their enduring friendship.
The Climb Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- male nudity
- male bonding
- male friendship
- male rear nudity
- penis
- cyclist
- ice fishing
- ice fishing hut
- track cycling
- best friends
- bachelor party
- written and directed by star
+38 more Show fewer
- france
- infidelity
- french woman
- public passionate kiss
- graveside service
- death of wife
- chapter headings
- sex on washing machine
- thanksgiving dinner
- voice actor
- engagement announcement
- family christmas
- reunion of friends
- ski holiday
- drunken man
- broken wrist
- jagermeister
- new year's eve celebration
- attempted kiss
- kidnapping prank
- snorting cocaine
- movie theater
- interrupted wedding ceremony
- bicycle repair
- divorce
- moving truck
- riding a bicycle with training wheels
- father son relationship
- falling through ice
- man wears jockey shorts
- man passes out
- woman punches a man
- written by director
- actor director writer
- reference to rob thomas
- reference to judas iscariot
- reference to jesus
- scene before opening credits
The Climb Cast & Characters
Michael Angelo Covino leads the cast as Mike, with Kyle Marvin as Kyle and Judith Godrèche as Ava.
- Michael Angelo Covino as Mike
- Kyle Marvin as Kyle
-
Judith Godrèche as Ava -
Gayle Rankin as Marissa
Also Starring in The Climb
· 10 more- Talia Balsam Suzi
- George Wendt Jim
- Sondra James Grandma
- Todd Barry Uncle Mark
- Meredith Holzman Jackie
- Eden Malyn Bianca
- Courtney Gonzalez
- Daniella Covino Dani
- Kristopher Avedisian
- Zina Anaplioti
The Climb Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Climb 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and 82 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 78/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in story & flow (60).
The Climb Echo Score Breakdown
In general, The Climb receives commendation for its thoughtful examination of friendship and inventive direction, offset by uneven pacing and occasional tonal inconsistencies. Many reviews highlight the film’s offbeat humor and sincere portrayal of male relationships as primary strengths. Criticism often centers on story cohesion and a lack of accountability for toxic behaviors. Overall, The Climb registers as a nuanced but somewhat uneven comedy-drama that rewards attentive viewers.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 90
In terms of art and craft, The Climb excels through its fluid direction and dynamic camerawork. Critics and users note the long takes and tracking shots that immerse viewers in scenes and the inventive transitions marking time jumps. Despite its low budget, the production design remains coherent and focused. Overall, the film’s visual approach contributes a consistently engaging aesthetic.
- Character & Emotion 75
When it comes to character and emotion, The Climb offers nuanced performances that capture the awkwardness and sincerity of male friendship. Reviewers praise the naturalistic acting of the leads and Gayle Rankin’s grounded presence. However, some note a lack of redeeming traits or accountability for one character, which hinders emotional resonance. Overall, the portrayal remains compelling yet uneven.
- Story & Flow 60
In terms of story and flow, The Climb presents an original structure with uncut segments that underscore the passage of time. Some observers commend the precise script and thematic depth, while others find the pacing uneven and the narrative lacking sufficient backstory for the friendship’s roots. Ultimately, the plot remains engaging but occasionally strained by its own ambitions.
- Sensory Experience 80
When it comes to sensory experience, The Climb balances an understated soundtrack with precise sound design and a cohesive visual style. Reviews mention the musical interludes as both brilliant markers of time and occasionally superfluous. The sound mix receives particular praise for its clarity, and the visual palette maintains an intimate, realistic tone. Overall, the sensory elements are largely effective.
- Rewatch Factor 70
In terms of rewatch factor, The Climb offers thought-provoking moments that reward repeat viewings with its subtle character nuances and thematic layers. Some viewers find that the film’s talky nature and resolution limit its replay value after initial impressions. Nevertheless, the offbeat humor and authentic interactions sustain a moderate lasting appeal. Overall, it retains interest on subsequent viewings.
-
IMDb 6.7 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 90% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 80%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 82 Metascore
User score 6.3
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 61% User score
See on TMDB -
Movie Insider 2.3 /5
See on Movie Insider
The Climb Plot Summary
What happens in The Climb from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 11 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Chapter 1 — I’m Sorry
Best friends Mike Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Kyle Marvin are out for a bike ride when Mike drops a painful truth: he’s sleeping with Kyle’s fiancée, Ava Judith Godrèche. The confession sparks a fierce argument, and Mike’s temper boils over into a road-rage moment that ends with him being assaulted after chasing a motorist down the road. At the hospital, where Mike recovers from minor head wounds, Ava arrives to visit, and the tension in the room intensifies as Kyle confronts her about the affair. The scene is tense and uncomfortable, revealing how fragile trust has become between two friends who once shared everything.
Chapter 2 — Let Go
Full summary
The whole story of The Climb, scene by scene
The Climb Box Office & Budget
The Climb grossed $711,639 worldwide on a $3 million budget, 24% of what it cost. $234,429 came from the US and Canada and $477,210 (67%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$711.6K
24% of its budget back
- US & Canada
- $234.4K
- International
- $477.2K
- Budget
- $3M
The Climb Awards & Nominations
The Climb earned 1 award nomination, including Best First Feature at the Spirit Awards 2020.
1 nomination1 ceremony
-
Spirit Awards 2020 1 nomination- Nominated Best First Feature – Michael Angelo Covino
The Climb Trailers & Videos
7 videos: 1 trailer, 2 clips and 4 featurettes.
- Clip Bunny Slopes Clip
- Clip Extended Preview
- Featurette TIFF 2019 Cast and Crew Q&A
- Featurette THE CLIMB's Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin on filming the movie's most challenging scene
How Well Do You Know The Climb?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What are the names of the two best friends whose relationship drives the story?
The Climb Also Known As
22 alternative titles, including “Изкачването” and “Virsune”.
- Also known as
-
- Изкачването
- Virsune
- Pod górkę
- A Amizade
- Сходження
- Az emelkedő
- Yoxuş
- The Climb - La salita
- La montée
- Успон
- 이 죽일 놈의 우정
- 爬坡人生
+10 more Show fewer
- A Subida
- 婊兄弟上路
- Cima a la amistad
- เพื่อนซี้มีไว้ถีบ
- Felfelé a lejtőn
- Восхождение
- עליות ומורדות
- Yokuş
- Kāpiens
- カイル&マイク 俺たちの人生は上り坂
Seen The Climb?
Movies Like The Climb
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including The Climb, Clapham Junction and Old Joy.
The Climb FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of The Climb, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Climb?
The Climb runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).
When was The Climb released?
The Climb was released on November 13, 2020.
Who is in the cast of The Climb?
The Climb stars Michael Angelo Covino as Mike, Kyle Marvin as Kyle and Judith Godrèche as Ava, among 14 credited actors.
How much did The Climb make at the box office?
The Climb grossed $711,639 worldwide ($234,429 domestic, $477,210 international) on a budget of $3 million.
How is The Climb rated?
The Climb has 6.7/10 on IMDb, 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 82 on Metacritic and 61% on TMDB.
Was The Climb nominated for any awards?
The Climb received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.
Does The Climb have a post-credit scene?
No. The Climb has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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