As "Arctic Ascent With Alex Honnold" (2024 release; 3 episodes ranging from 45 to 50 min each); opens, Alex "Free Solo" Honnold and 5 others are about to embark on an extraordinary expedition in Greenland: march 100 miles toward one of the largest remaining unclimbed cliffs in the world. The team also includes a glaciologist, Heidi Sevestre, who will performs various tests to better understand how quickly ice is melting in Greenland. At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: this is the latest National Geography documentary by director and cinematographer Richard Ladkani ("Sea of Shadwss). While theoretically this plays out in 3 episodes, it's really just one long documentary of about 145 min. Comparisons to "Free Solo" are inevitable and let's just get it out of the way: this is not as good as "Free Solo" (which won Best Documentary Oscar for good reason). But let's also say this: "Arctic Ascent" is very good, and at times spellbinding. We get a 2-for-1: another climbing exploit by Alex Honnold, and also a another cautionary tale about the devastating effects of climate change. It's all wrapped up in an irresistible packaging called Greenland. Has Greenland ever look this menacing yet beautiful, intimidating yet inviting? The photography (aided by the generous use of drones) is pure eye-candy from start to finish.
"Arctic Ascent" premiered on the National Geographic Channel, and is now streaming on Hulu (where I saw it last night in a single setting) and Disney+. If you liked "Free Solo", I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.
