‘Tenzing’ Review: An Inspirational Adventure That Climbs New Heights
Genden Phuntsok and Tom Hiddleston star in a true story that explored what was once an impossible feat.
The story of the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest is an achievement retold again and again. However, as with most historical tales, there are always two sides to the story, with one often existing in the shadows. Directed by acclaimed documentarian Jennifer Peedom, Tenzing is a narrative feature that retells the famous story but from the perspective of Tenzing Norgay (Genden Phuntsok) as he pursues his lifelong ambition alongside Edmund Hillary (Tom Hiddleston) on their historic 1953 ascent.
While the film offers stunning wintry landscapes and high-stakes climbing sequences on Everest, its greatest strength is its adaptation of the poignant, moving personal story that lies beneath it. Check out our Tenzing review from TIFF!
‘Tenzing’ Fascinatingly Explores New Perspectives
While most audience members may already know the Everest story through the Edmund Hillary or the British perspectives, Tenzing reframes the odyssey by focusing on the deeper human side of Tenzing Norgay’s journey. It does so by exploring his connection to Chomolungma, his heartfelt relationship with his wife and children, his growing friendship with Edmund Hillary, and his determination to prove to British expedition leader John Hunt (Willem Dafoe) that he’s the right person for the job.
Peedom does this by cleverly cutting back and forth between different periods of Tenzing’s life, letting the expedition unfold alongside the personal experiences that shaped him before reaching the summit. This choice of narrative structure allows Tenzing and Hillary reaching the summit to feel more meaningful, as the story becomes more than simply “here are two men making history by conquering the top of a big snowy mountain,” but rather helps audiences understand why this opportunity, these relationships in his life, and why this specific mountain mattered so much to Tenzing.
Genden Phutsok and Tom Hiddleston Showcase Genuine Teamwork and Friendship
Norgay’s story wouldn’t have felt as compelling without the strength of the cast’s performances. Genden Phutsok plays Norgay with such hope, courage, resilience, and kindness, capturing the qualities that make him such an inspiring figure in our world history. At times, rooting for Tenzing felt natural rather than forced, and Phutsok’s soulful performance makes it easy to understand just how truly amazing the man was.
Tom Hiddleston is no stranger to big adventure films, whether historical or not (Go watch Kong: Skull Island, if you haven’t already). Hiddleston brings a quiet sense of loyalty and respect to his portrayal of Edmund Hillary, especially as his friendship with Tenzing develops throughout the Everest expedition. His performance also makes Hillary’s growing trust in Norgay feel genuine, most clearly in scenes where Hillary recognizes how valuable his partner’s experience is to the team.
Together, Phutsok and Hiddleston play these real-life figures with authenticity, allowing audiences to feel genuinely connected to their friendship and understand how Tenzing and Edmund’s teamwork helped make this historic adventure so important for future celebrated expeditions.
‘Tenzing’ Embraces Hope in the Darkest Times
From the moment audiences meet Tenzing Norgay to seeing him and Edmund climb together to the summit of Mount Everest, every narrative detail and engaging performance shows why this side of the story deserved to be told. Jennifer Peedom directs the film with such admiration for the titular character that it makes the famous Everest story feel bigger without losing sight of the people who made the impossible possible.
Ultimately, when it comes to historical retellings, Tenzing embraces the ambition and hope that can push people toward the most extraordinary adventures.
Tenzing premiered at the 53rd Telluride Film Festival on September 4 and then at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on September 15. It will make its worldwide debut on Apple TV on October 16.
Stay tuned to Agents of Fandom socials for all the latest entertainment news and reviews.
Written by
Aisha Shabeese
Aisha is a Toronto-based writer with a huge passion for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly her love for Captain Marvel. She is also an avid film buff and fellow Swiftie. More often than not, she can be found somewhere talking—fangirling, really—about Chris Evans or cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Related Articles
