Tenzing shows us that there’s more to find at the top of Mt. Everest than glory.
Based on true events, Tenzing tells the story of Tenzing Norgay (Genden Phuntsok), the gifted Himalayan climber who partnered with Sir Edmund Hillary (Tom Hiddleston) to climb the unreachable summit of Mount Everest. Ever since he was a young man, Norgay had dreamed of climbing ‘Chomolungma’ as a sign of respect for her as a sacred mother goddess. After convincing Colonel John Hunt (Willem Dafoe) to allow him to join the climbing team, Norgay believed that his dreams would be fully realized. Yet prejudice and power dynamic cloud their ascent and Norgay begins to feel the weight of others’ ambition. Nevertheless, high above the world, empire and rank fall away, creating a space where mutual respect and trust can elevate all those who are willing to make the climb.
Directed by Jennifer Peedom, Tenzing is an endearing and thrilling trek into the mountains that finally tells the story of Everest through fresh eyes. Although Tenzing Norgay’s involvement in Sir Edmund Hillary’s trek to the top of the iconic mountain has been well known for decades, Tenzing finally gives the Himalayan guide his day in the sun.
By focusing the narrative through Norgay’s story, Tenzing feels like an act of restoration. Peedom taps into the hopes and dreams of a man who was destined to remain a sherpa by British mountaineers, despite his incredible knowledge and skill. For Norgay, every step up the side of Everest becomes an act of justice as he proves his worth to those who doubted him.
And credit must be given to Phuntsok who approaches the role of Norgay with increasing confidence. Beginning as a young man who simply wants to climb ‘his mountain’, there’s a certain sense of innocence. He’s energetic and enthusiastic, willing to do whatever he has to in order to be included.
However, as he gets older and the ravages of life wear upon him, Norgay is shown as more reserved. His children mean the most to him, even if his dream remains unrealized. And that never waivers. Nevertheless, the older Norgay is depicted as a man of wisdom and strength. He knows the mountain and stands firm upon his abilities, regardless of what the other climbers believe. And Phuntsok brings the character to life with stunning courage. Even when he remains silent, he speaks volumes with every glance and glare. At all times, we know what is going on within him, be it leaning into the challenge or wrestling with his emotional scars.
But what truly helps Tenzing shine is the relationship between Norgay and Hillary. When paired with Hiddleston, the duo has genuine chemistry together that serves as the film’s emotional core. Here, Hillary and Norgay are not shown only as partners; they’re equals. Hillary leans into Norgay’s experience, recognizing that his friend’s skill and knowledge of the mountain surpasses his own.
It’s almost surprising how intimate the film can feel. Despite taking place on the side of Mt. Everest, the film isn’t really about showcasing the grand beauty of nature. (Though, to be fair, the cinematography is stunning.) Instead, she puts the emphasis on the relationships between the men themselves. As they endure the elements, Peedom keeps the camera up close to her adventurers, allowing us to become invested in them as people.
In short, we care about the men more than the mission itself.
As a result, Peedom also exposes the different perspectives that her characters carry on their mission, especially for Norgay and Hillary. For Hillary, climbing Everest is an opportunity for glory. He recognizes that there’s a certain sense of immortality that comes with doing the impossible and wants to be the one to do so.
However, Hillary’s views are held in stark contrast to Norgay’s passion for the climb. To him, the opportunity to climb ‘Chomolungmna’ is a spiritual experience. With an eye towards connecting with the natural world, there’s a humility within him that drives his efforts. He’s not interested in glory. Instead, Norgay wants to meet the mountain face-to-face and take in her beauty. As the two men get closer, the depth of Norgay’s spiritual passion begins to profoundly affect Hillary, melting away at his heart and revealing something more powerful to him.
It’s that beauty that truly makes Tenzing something special to behold. Atop the vast mountains of the Himalayas is a story that’s more than about conquest and man’s ability to triumph. Instead, Tenzing is a film about personal growth, the sort that comes when another person is able to show us the things that we’ve been missing along the way. And, sometimes, those can be the toughest mountains to overcome.
Tenzing is available in theatres on October 9th, 2026 and on Apple TV on October 16th, 2026.
