I didn’t admit it in my last review, but I actually watched this film on the same day as His House. I went to Croydon (Vue, Croydon Grants), watched this, went back on the train, it was still early (8:30) and got off at Wimbledon to watch another film at the cinema (Curzon). A new low as one parodied one’s self. Oh well…

The climb is a small independent, almost dry, buddy comedy about two friends Michael and Kyle. Played by the directors and writers of the same names, Kyle is a bit of a pushover, while Michael is irresponsible and usually his actions lead to Kyle’s suffering. The first scene follows both of them on a bike ride. Kyle is discussing how he is marrying this perfect woman who loves him for him. Then Michael say’s he’s slept with her rather remorselessly. In the next scene, it’s the wife’s funeral and Michael, who ended up marrying her, is in mourning while Kyle is still in pain.

As the film goes on, Kyle gets a new fiance, who tries to change him. They’re not great together and Michael needs to choose how to approach his friendship and whether he’s willing to allow Kyle to marry this new woman.

The film primarily focuses on the relationship of these two characters. It’s not sustainable, yet it keeps going, even though Mike always seems to ruin Kyle’s life. Despite this, there feels like a lot of heart. There is compassion within this film, mainly from Kyle which keeps you giving Mike a chance. While some will be annoyed by these characters, I was kept engaged throughout the whole film. I found the film to be funny, chucking many times. The forth wall breaks in the film didn’t annoy me and the film pulled off the characters’ interactions well.

From a technical perspective, this film really shines. Despite having very little budget, the film maintains an intimacy with scenes only taking one shot, much like you’d get in 1917. At a thanksgiving, the camera weaves throughout the house, going between two or three different conversation lines, all leading to a great pay off while you feel like you’re in the building. The cycle ride at the beginning is 5/10 minutes long and you don’t really notice how the camera hasn’t changed. It would’ve been so easy to just focus on the comedy, but the creative use of the one camera is so much more rewarding and makes the film watching experience so much better.

Summary

Full of long intimate shots, The Climb is an impressive spectacle to watch, despite it’s minimalist approach. It did enough to keep me onside in liking these characters and laughing along with it. [Grade: A-]

The Climb is out in cinemas now