Directed by Jennifer Peedom, known for her documentary work on mountain climbing, Tenzing premiered to widespread acclaim at prestigious events like the 53rd Telluride Film Festival and the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film chronicles the perilous journey to the world's highest peak, with Genden Phuntsok delivering a poignant performance as Tenzing Norgay and Tom Hiddleston portraying Sir Edmund Hilary, one of the pioneering climbers. Willem Dafoe, Caitríona Balfe, and Thinley Lhamo round out the compelling ensemble cast.
The initial wave of 13 reviews has propelled Tenzing to a flawless Rotten Tomatoes score, a significant milestone for Hiddleston. This critical triumph places it above his previous best-reviewed films, including the indie drama Archipelago (96%) and the Marvel blockbuster Thor: Ragnarok (93%). Beyond Hiddleston's personal record, Tenzing also stands among the elite films depicting Mount Everest, tying with The Summit of the Gods and Netflix's Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa for top honors in the subgenre.
Critics have lauded Tenzing for its fresh narrative approach, which deliberately shifts the focus to the titular Sherpa, highlighting his spiritual journey and integral role in the expedition rather than just the Western climbers. Genden Phuntsok's performance has been particularly praised for its quiet strength and emotional depth. The film's depiction of camaraderie and brotherhood among the climbers, supported by strong performances from Hiddleston and Dafoe, has also resonated positively with reviewers.
Technically, the film has garnered appreciation from critics for its stunning cinematography and breathtaking visuals, which effectively convey the awe-inspiring and perilous nature of high-altitude climbing. However, the film hasn't been without minor critiques. Some reviewers noted that while visually impressive, the narrative occasionally adheres to a formulaic biopic structure, leading to inconsistent pacing that can, at times, detract from the story's profound emotional potential. ScreenRant's own review, which awarded the film 6 out of 10 stars, observed that the movie "*doesn’t quite pack the emotion or character work to capture the gravity of its true-story source material*."
Jennifer Peedom's background, including documentaries like Solo and Sherpa, brings a deep understanding of the subject matter to her first non-documentary feature. Screenwriter Luke Davies, an Academy Award nominee for Lion, penned the script, while Tenzing Norgay's eldest son, Norbu Tenzing, served as an executive producer, lending an authentic voice to the project.
Tenzing is slated for a limited theatrical release starting October 9, 2026, before making its streaming debut globally on Apple TV a week later, on October 16, 2026. This early critical success suggests it's a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and high-stakes adventure.