Tenzing Review: The Everest Story Finally Told From the Sherpa’s Side

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Tenzing (2026) Review: Genden Phuntsok's Everest Drama

For decades, the story of Everest’s first ascent has been told as Edmund Hillary’s triumph. The man who stood beside him on the summit often appears as little more than a name in the caption.

Tenzing changes that. The film is named after Tenzing Norgay, and it keeps him at the center of the frame. Directed by Jennifer Peedom, it arrived in select theaters on October 9 and starts streaming on Apple TV on October 16, 2026. Here’s our review.

Tenzing Story: A Lifelong Dream of Chomolungma

Tenzing (Genden Phuntsok) grew up in a village beneath the world’s tallest mountain. From the top of the hill outside his home, he could see its peak. He dreamed of standing on it.

By the early 1950s, he has joined several failed expeditions, but always as a porter. Foreign teams hire him to carry loads and fix ropes. They never treat him as a true climber.

When the British organize another attempt, Tenzing wants a real place on the team. His wife Dawa (Thinley Lhamo) encourages him. An expedition secretary named Jill Henderson (Caitríona Balfe) becomes an ally. Together, they try to convince Colonel John Hunt (Willem Dafoe) that Tenzing belongs among the climbers, not behind them.

Then comes a partnership with Edmund Hillary (Tom Hiddleston), a New Zealand mountaineer. Flashbacks to Tenzing’s childhood and family show where his devotion comes from.

The film’s central idea is a clash of views. The British call the mountain Everest and treat it like an enemy fortress to be conquered. For Tenzing and the Sherpas, it’s Chomolungma, a sacred mother goddess. They ask her permission before they climb.

Genden Phuntsok Carries the Film

Phuntsok is the reason this movie works. He plays Tenzing as a man with unshakable faith, both in the mountain and in his own ambition. That kind of certainty could easily feel flat. Phuntsok makes it warm and believable.

You sense that Tenzing has been walking toward one place his whole life and never doubted he’d get there. It’s a calm, steady performance, and it anchors every scene.

The film also makes a respectful choice about language. Much of the dialogue is in the Sherpa language, not just a few token lines before everyone switches to English. That gives the story an authenticity many biographical films lack. Tenzing is allowed to be himself.

Phuntsok, a Tibetan-descent actor, has said that in his culture Everest is a holy mountain, and that personal connection comes through on screen.

Tom Hiddleston Plays It Smart

Hiddleston is the biggest name on the poster, but he doesn’t try to steal the film. He plays Hillary as dry, practical, and quietly impressed. He supports Phuntsok instead of competing with him.

Their partnership grows from mutual respect, not instant friendship. That feels right, and it keeps the climb grounded.

Dafoe and Balfe are solid too, though their characters are thin. They mostly exist to block or open doors for Tenzing. That fits the story, since the British expedition decided who got to climb.

An Everest Film That Feels Real

Peedom made her name with documentaries about the Himalayas, including Sherpa, Mountain, and River. She brings that experience to her first narrative feature, and it shows.

Cinematographer Stefan Duscio shot on location, and the production brought in real Sherpas with Everest experience. The result often feels like a documentary. You feel the thin air and cold light, not a soundstage with fake snow.

The film also avoids cheap thrills. There’s no invented avalanche every twenty minutes and no villain cutting the ropes. That restraint keeps the story honest. Viewers hoping for nonstop action may feel it’s too calm.

Rebekka Karijord composed the score. Peedom has also said she hopes the film reminds audiences how fragile the mountains have become.

Where the Film Plays It Too Safe

Tenzing follows a familiar biopic shape: the childhood dream, the setbacks, the doubters, the helpful ally, and the triumph. You can predict the beats from the first scene.

It’s also a little too clean. Most characters are either good or gently condescending, and the conflicts get resolved neatly. Few scenes have real friction.

The flashbacks, while important, can feel repetitive. Dawa deserved a stronger role too. She mostly encourages Tenzing and waits at home, even though the film treats her as his foundation.

The British characters also take up more screen time than you might expect. Some viewers may wish the film had stayed even closer to Tenzing’s point of view. And at over two hours, some middle stretches could be trimmed.

Who Should Watch Tenzing

This is a great pick for fans of inspiring true stories, mountain films, and thoughtful biographies. If you enjoyed Sherpa or Free Solo, you’ll find a similar love for the Himalayas here.

It’s also a family-friendly watch. Apple lists the film as TV-PG. If you want a gritty survival thriller, this may feel too gentle.

The Verdict

Tenzing is a respectful, beautifully shot tribute to a man who deserved more credit. Genden Phuntsok gives it heart, and the Everest-versus-Chomolungma idea gives it depth. It’s a bit too safe and predictable, but it earns respect for putting Tenzing’s name, language, and faith front and center.

Rating: 3.5/5

Watch the Trailer

Quick Facts

Title: Tenzing
Director: Jennifer Peedom
Writer: Luke Davies
Genre: Biographical Drama, Adventure
Runtime: Just over two hours
Rated: TV-PG
Starring: Genden Phuntsok, Tom Hiddleston, Willem Dafoe, Caitríona Balfe, Thinley Lhamo
Cinematographer: Stefan Duscio
Music: Rebekka Karijord
Producers: Liz Watts, Emile Sherman, Iain Canning, Jennifer Peedom, Luke Davies, Desray Armstrong
Executive producer: Norbu Tenzing (Tenzing Norgay’s son), among others
Production: See-Saw Films, Apple Studios
Premiere: Telluride Film Festival 2026; gala premiere at TIFF
Release dates: Select theaters October 9, 2026; Apple TV October 16, 2026