Free Solo

Gripping to a fault. Free solo climbing is a form of climbing where the individual performs without using any ropes, harnesses or other sane protective equipment. This thriller of a documentary features Alex Honnold, the greatest surviving free soloist with over one thousand solitary ascents to his credit. "Surviving" is the key word in a sport that requires the climber to jam fingers and toes into the tiniest of cracks and hope that the wind stays neutral and a bird doesn't come nearby. "Irrational" and "crazy" are other words that come to mind.
 
Honnold has set his sites on free soloing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park and his preparation and eventual attempt is captured with breath-taking camera angles of the climb. This is combined with intimate close ups of his personal life that include not only his family and spousal relationships but also a brain scan that may partially explain his obsession with climbing large objects without help. Yes, he actually does have his head examined, and the result is compelling — and quite telling.
 
The husband and Wife team of Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhely have received an Oscar-nomination for Best Documeuntary Feature Film for this gem that may soon soar to new heights with a surprise win.
 
But the real drama is on screen. Will Honnold's soul be set free by free soloing? I won't spoil the story, but I will recommend that you go on this journey asap.

In a nutshell: More thrilling than any recent Star Wars film, Free Solo is a must-see.

Award potential: It's already nominated for the Best Documentary Feature Academy Award. If you're looking for an upset to help you win your Oscars pool, the directors and heroic crew that skillfully captured this climb may just rock this category and upset the stellar but grounded RBG.
 
The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks.