The Climb
Two lifelong friends test the limits of loyalty, forgiveness, and male intimacy after a devastating romantic betrayal.
Overview
A comedic exploration of friendship, betrayal, and the complexities of male bonds.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- witty
- awkward
- warm
- date night
- indie film night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as an engaging, frequently funny, and humane dissection of complicated male friendship.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The friendship between Kyle and Mike unfolds across many years through distinct, episodic stages rather than continuous chronology.
The film turns betrayal, rage, awkwardness, and long-term friendship into comedy without abandoning their emotional consequences.
Its central subject is the complicated bond between two men and the boundaries governing closeness, loyalty, and resentment.
The film is associated with formally extended, mobile scenes that observe Kyle and Mike's interactions in real time.
Films like The Climb, and why
Frances Ha
awkward, emotionally candid comedy centered on male friendship and interpersonal conflict
The Banshees of Inisherin
witty and painful examination of enduring friendship, romantic betrayal, and adult immaturity
The Squid and the Whale
humane, uncomfortable relationship comedy balancing laughter with resentment and emotional volatility
Drinking Buddies
naturalistic indie comedy about friendship, romantic complications, and difficult emotional honesty
Movie Details
- Director
- Michael Angelo Covino
- Release Date
- 2020-07-29
- Runtime
- 94 min
- Rating
- 6.1 / 10 (157)
Cast
- Kyle Marvin
- Michael Angelo Covino
- Gayle Rankin
- Talia Balsam
- George Wendt
- Judith Godrèche
- Daniella Covino
- Eden Malyn
- Kris Avedisian
- Sondra James
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Sundance Now
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Climb about?
- Two lifelong friends test the limits of loyalty, forgiveness, and male intimacy after a devastating romantic betrayal.
- What is The Climb like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Climb as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Climb violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Climb.
- What did critics think of The Climb?
- Critics broadly praised the film as an engaging, frequently funny, and humane dissection of complicated male friendship.
- Which films are like The Climb?
- Films with a similar feel include Frances Ha, The Banshees of Inisherin, The Squid and the Whale, and Drinking Buddies.
- How long is The Climb?
- The Climb runs 94 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Climb?
- In United States, The Climb streams on Sundance Now.
