The Dawn Wall

Released Sep 14, 2018

1h 40m

Documentary

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The Dawn Wall: Trailer 2

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The Dawn Wall: Trailer 1

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Tomatometer

18 Reviews

95%

Audience Score

250+ Ratings

Legendary free climber Tommy Caldwell tries to get over heartbreak by scaling the Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.

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Michael Rechtshaffen

Los Angeles Times

"The Dawn Wall" transcends initial conventional sports documentary trappings, emerging as an affecting portrait of conquering personal limitations.

Sep 13, 2018

Full Review

John DeFore

Hollywood Reporter

Stuffed with drama, both climbing-related and not.

Sep 13, 2018

Full Review

Owen Gleiberman

Variety

A riveting and spectacular documentary ...

Mar 20, 2018

Full Review

Brett Michael Dykes

Uproxx

The two men attempt to scale the impossible 3000ft Dawn Wall of El Capitan, the Everest for free climbers, and if you can stomach over an hour of near-fatal slips, trips, and falls, this is the doc for you.

Dec 29, 2021

Full Review

Craig Schroeder

Battleship Pretension

The Dawn Wall moves with incredible fluidity. Framing the film around Caldwell and Jorgensen's ascent, the film floats effortlessly between past and present...

Jan 7, 2021

Full Review

David N. Butterworth

La Movie Boeuf

The best mountaineering film (and then some) since Joe Simpson and Simon Yates first touched the void in 2004. Absolutely mesmerizing.

Rated: 4/4

Nov 16, 2019

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Bunk M

Tommy Caldwell's climb is half the story as he endures captors, a lost finger & 1000 ft. wall camps to scale the infamous Dawn Wall.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/09/23

Full Review

Kris C

You can't take your eyes off this movie!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/08/23

Full Review

Rob H

Riveting, a must see documentary.. Must see also ‘The Alpinist'

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/28/22

Full Review

Audience Member

An inspiring story Went into it not know what to expect and blown away. Didn't think much about the film making and craft as the story was so compelling

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Gripping (pun *sigh* intended) from its very first moments, The Dawn Wall is a triumphant and fun climbing documentary. While this came out slightly before the death defying Free Solo, it remains impossible for me to not compare the two. Free Solo being the masterpiece it is, The Dawn Wall can suffer a bit in comparison in terms of the stakes at hand, but it does well to create a connection to its characters, the goal, and ultimately the satisfaction of a happy ending. For anyone who remotely enjoys the outdoors, this is a great watch filled with adventure, friendship, and amazing views.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Amazing story and fantastic success. Sometimes nice guys do finish first.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

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Josh Lowell

Director

Peter Mortimer

Director

Tommy Caldwell

Self

Kevin Jorgeson

Self

Josh Lowell

Producer

Philipp Manderla

Producer

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The Dawn Wall: Trailer 2

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The Dawn Wall: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Legendary free climber Tommy Caldwell tries to get over heartbreak by scaling the Dawn Wall of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.

Director: Josh Lowell, Peter Mortimer
Distributor: The Orchard
Production Co: Red Bull Media House, The Orchard
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 14, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 22, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA): $784.0K
Runtime: 1h 40m