Synopsis:
Kyle and Mike are best friends who share a close bond — until Mike sleeps with Kyle’s
fiancée.
It’s the multilayered dysfunction for me. It’s said that friends are like assholes, everyone’s got one. Wait, that’s not right, flip that. Regardless, we all have that one asshole friend and if you don’t, it’s probably because it’s you. The thing about that friend is that they are usually the most honest, oftentimes at your expense, but honest nonetheless. Which in turn, results in them getting labeled because of their bluntness. However, there are those that take it to a level that is almost unredeemable. It’s one thing to be an asshole by way of speech but to be one by way of action is totally different. The Climb features someone who is simultaneously the asshole champion of the world and one of the best friends you can have… kind of. The film is a tragically funny, dysfunctional dramedy that is full of heart with the most chaotic and weirdly endearing bromance. The opening scene is done in such a fantastic yet simplistic way and sets the tone going forward. It presents an authentic and effortless introduction into the true character and personality of Mike and Kyle that seamlessly flows into the rest of the film. The Climb is a story about a friendship that can endure anything but begs the question, should it? At times, the film presents itself as a study of how to be the best, worst friend, or the worst, best friend while also making that person a great friend. It really depends on your outlook. Ultimately, it’s a love story. However, it’s not romantic love that it focuses on, it’s the love between two friends that know each better than anyone else and in knowing that, are willing to sacrifice their friendship in order for the other one to be truly happy. The chemistry in the film is great and I loved the story transitions. While I know that this story would definitely not have unraveled the same way if it happened in my personal life or the lives of any of my friends, it is certainly interesting how it all makes sense. The human condition is a sight to behold. My favorite part of the film is its final scene and how it relates to the opening scene. Overall, The Climb is definitely a film to watch with friends because it makes for a great conversation afterward. Its rewatchability is medium.
Plot & Pace
While on vacation in France, lifelong friends Michael and Kyle’s friendship is threatened when Mike decides to expose his secret. Mike has slept with Kyle’s fiancée and has waited until his wedding is nearing to tell him. However, Kyle is a very forgiving person and tries to put this new knowledge in the past, that is until he catches them together not long after their conversation. As the years pass and the two have gone their separate ways, they are awkwardly reunited during the holidays after Kyle’s mom reached out to a disheveled Mike. Also, Kyle has a new lady in his life that he has brought home and his family isn’t quite fond of her. Now Kyle must decide whether or not he wants to mend the once-great friendship or continue to move forward without Mike.
The film’s pace and transitions are done very well. The way the story is chaptered helps the story flow gracefully.
Characters & Chemistry
The film is full of great chemistry. Mike (Michael Angelo Covino) and Kyle (Kyle Marvin) are real-life friends and it shows. The two balance each other out, Mike is blunt and tends to overstep while Kyle is timid, selfless, and a bit of a pushover. It’s almost hard to tell who is the story’s main focal point. Gayle Rankin as Marissa is the perfect additive to the film. The back and forth between the three really brought out the best in the story.
The Climb releases in theaters on November 13th. Enjoy and stay safe.
Director: Michael Angelo Covino
Writers: Michael Angelo Covino, Kyle Marvin
Rated: R
Runtime: 1h 38m
Rating: 4 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
