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Adventure documentary

The Dawn Wall (2018): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

The Dawn Wall (2018) movie poster

The Dawn Wall is a 2018 adventure documentary directed by Josh Lowell, starring Tommy Caldwell, Kevin Jorgeson and John Branch. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes and earned $1.4 million worldwide. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 81 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.1/10.

IMDb rating
8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes
100%
worldwide gross
$1.4M
Echo Score
87
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The Dawn Wall (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 40m (100 min)
Director
Josh Lowell
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Dawn Wall About?

The premise of The Dawn Wall without spoilers.

In January 2015, American rock climbers Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson began an ambitious project: scaling the Dawn Wall, a 3,000-foot vertical rock formation in Yosemite. Their ascent garnered worldwide attention as they spent weeks meticulously climbing the daunting cliff face. For Caldwell, the challenge represented a deeply personal victory, built upon a history of overcoming significant adversity, including a traumatic hostage experience, a serious climbing accident that resulted in the loss of a finger, and a difficult divorce.

The Dawn Wall Themes & Keywords

· 4 tags
  • climbing
  • extreme sport
  • rock climbing
  • sports documentary
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Cast & crew

The Dawn Wall Cast

Tommy Caldwell leads the cast, with Kevin Jorgeson and John Branch. Directed by Josh Lowell.

From the director

More from Josh Lowell

More films directed by Josh Lowell: The Cobra and the Heart, Barefoot Charles, Action Directe and Deep Roots.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Dawn Wall Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Dawn Wall 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 81 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 8.1/10. Our Echo Score gives it 87/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in rewatch factor (75).

87 /100

The Dawn Wall Echo Score Breakdown

The Dawn Wall stands out for its captivating portrayal of human perseverance and its exceptional visual storytelling. Critics consistently highlight the stunning Yosemite cinematography and the precise editing that immerses viewers in every climb, while audiences praise the compelling personal narratives of Caldwell and Jorgeson. Although a few noted slower pacing early on, the film’s dramatic tension and heartfelt moments maintain engagement throughout. In sum, The Dawn Wall offers a powerful documentary experience that resonates both emotionally and visually.

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 film’s cinematography and direction stand out as its greatest strengths. Reviewers praise the stunning Yosemite scenery, precise framing, and fluid camera movements that capture the climbers’ every motion. The editing maintains clarity across shifting timelines and close-up details. Overall, the documentary demonstrates high production values that enhance its visual impact.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotion, the documentary offers a compelling portrait of determination and partnership. The film’s focus on Caldwell and Jorgeson’s backstories evokes genuine empathy, and the interpersonal chemistry highlights mutual support through adversity. The narrative balances personal interviews with candid reflections, fostering an emotional connection. In conclusion, the depth of character study provides resonant human interest throughout.

  • Story & Flow 80

    In terms of story and flow, The Dawn Wall delivers an engaging and coherent narrative of a historic climb. Critics note the film’s drama-laden structure and opening pacing that gradually finds its rhythm. While a few observers mention slower segments early on, the unfolding challenges and backstory maintain overall engagement. Ultimately, the documentary balances originality and clarity to sustain audience interest.

  • Sensory Experience 90

    When it comes to sensory experience, the documentary excels in visual and auditory cohesion. Observers praise the rich sound design and evocative soundtrack that amplify tension during climbing sequences. The visual style combines sweeping landscape shots with detailed close-ups, creating a cohesive aesthetic throughout. Overall, the sensory presentation enhances immersion and complements the film’s dramatic and emotional dimensions.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    In terms of rewatch factor, The Dawn Wall offers moderate replay value rooted in its compelling visuals and narrative resonance. The film’s breathtaking cinematography and human drama encourage multiple viewings, though some viewers cite slow pacing early as a slight deterrent. The richness of personal interviews and the achievement’s magnitude sustain viewer curiosity over time. In sum, the documentary retains lasting appeal without fully commanding repeated viewings by all audiences.

Box office

The Dawn Wall Box Office

The Dawn Wall grossed $1.4 million worldwide. $970,032 came from the US and Canada and $475,487 (33%) from the rest of the world.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$1.4M

US & Canada
$970K
International
$475.5K
US & Canada 67% Rest of the world 33%
Videos

The Dawn Wall Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 clip.

The Dawn Wall - Trailer
  • Trailer The Dawn Wall (2018) | Official Trailer HD
  • Clip
Cars

Cars in The Dawn Wall

5 cars on screen, including the 1992 Mitsubishi Montero and the Caterpillar D-Series.

All 5 cars
  • 1992 Mitsubishi Montero in The Dawn Wall 1992 Mitsubishi Montero Minor role
  • Caterpillar D-Series in The Dawn Wall Caterpillar D-Series Background role
  • 1999 Ford F-Series in The Dawn Wall 1999 Ford F-Series Background role
  • Lift King LK12000 in The Dawn Wall Lift King LK12000 Background role
Details

The Dawn Wall Also Known As

13 alternative titles, including “ドーン・ウォール” and “Durch die Wand”.

Also known as
  • ドーン・ウォール
  • Durch die Wand
  • Dawn Wall: Wspinaczka po rekord
  • 던월
  • Escalando Dawn Wall
  • 黎明墙
  • Το Τείχος της Αυγής
  • Şafak Duvarı
  • 垂直九十度的熱血人生
  • שחר חדש ביוסמיטי
  • Zid svitanja
  • ドーンウォール
+1 more
  • Hajnalfal

Seen The Dawn Wall?

FAQ

The Dawn Wall FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Dawn Wall, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Dawn Wall?

The Dawn Wall runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).

When was The Dawn Wall released?

The Dawn Wall was released on September 14, 2018.

Who directed The Dawn Wall?

The Dawn Wall was directed by Josh Lowell.

More films by Josh Lowell

Who is in the cast of The Dawn Wall?

The Dawn Wall stars Tommy Caldwell, Kevin Jorgeson and John Branch.

How much did The Dawn Wall make at the box office?

The Dawn Wall grossed $1.4 million worldwide ($970,032 domestic, $475,487 international).

How is The Dawn Wall rated?

The Dawn Wall has 8.1/10 on IMDb, 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81 on Metacritic and 81% on TMDB.

Does The Dawn Wall have a post-credit scene?

No. The Dawn Wall has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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