As the day of the climb approaches, people become a bit restless. Jimmy shares his perspective on facing the reality that his friend might die tomorrow and that’s the last time he’ll see Alex. Sanni leaves a couple days before he climbs so she doesn’t have to know what day it finally happens. When they hug goodbye, we can see that Sanni worries it will be the last time she sees him but Alex treats it like it will only be a few days. What if something happens? Finally, Alex begins to climb the first pitch. He shows almost no emotion on his face and it turns to Tommy every few seconds watching from below, stressed and barely able to look. Once Alex makes it past the slab and the boulder problem he smiles raises his arms in the air in a small victory. As he gets closer and closer to the top we can see the excitement and joy grow on his face. Finally, he makes it to the top completing a perfect climb.
On June 3, 2017 Alex Honnold became the first person to free solo El Capitan.
It took him 3 hrs and 56 min.
Everyone is so relieved when it is all finally over and the weight is lifted off their shoulders. Tommy saying,” I’m really proud of you. Good work on not plummeting to your death. Really glad it’s over.” Sanni calls him at the top of El Cap and he is so happy he says he could almost cry. In an interview, later Alex says, “I’m so happy the experience is what I hoped for. I didn’t compromise on any of the things that were super important to me.”
So of course, the big question: what’s next?
“Somebody’s gonna think of something and it’s gonna be cooler but I don’t know if that’ll be me. Maybe I don’t know”
For the first 5 minutes of watching him, I wanted to vomit. I was so stressed, and I already knew the outcome. I made my sister watch part of it constantly telling her “Oh my God look at him.” It was a horrible mix of covering my eyes but not being able to look away. It was such a feeling of victory when he finally makes it up El Cap I almost wanted to cry with them all. I feel so inspired and motivated after this not just in climbing but in other areas of life as well. Alex makes many points throughout the documentary that make you consider if you want it so badly how much work are you putting in, how are you stepping outside of fear, and what does it mean to be great.
This documentary was so engaging and left you on the edge of your seat at times. It gives a deeper insight into Alex Honnold’s journey preparing to climb El Capitan. We also learn more about what makes up the slightly awkward and brutally honest Alex in his relationships and lifestyle. If you are into climbing, I would definitely recommend this documentary as nothing has inspired me to go to the climbing gym so much.
