Apple’s Everest Drama ‘Tenzing’ Earns Certified Fresh Status as It Reaches Streaming
The 1953 ascent of Mount Everest is one of the most famous feats in modern history, yet the story has often been told from a single perspective. Apple’s ‘Tenzing’ sets out to change that, centering on Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa mountaineer who reached the summit alongside New Zealand climber Edmund Hillary.
Directed by Jennifer Peedom from a screenplay by Luke Davies, the film stars newcomer Genden Phuntsok as Tenzing, with Tom Hiddleston as Hillary and Willem Dafoe as expedition leader Colonel John Hunt. Caitríona Balfe, Johnny Flynn, Tenzin Dalha and Thinley Lhamo round out the cast.
Peedom brought deep personal knowledge to the project. Her previous work includes the BAFTA-nominated documentary ‘Sherpa’ and the documentary ‘Mountain’, which Dafoe narrated, and she has a close relationship with the Tenzing family and the Sherpa community after working on a biopic of Norgay for nearly a decade.
The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival, played Toronto, and opened the Zurich Film Festival. Apple released it in select theaters on October 9 before it began streaming on October 16.
‘TENZING’ is now certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes at 98% from critics and 92% from audiences. Starring Genden Phuntsok, Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe. Now streaming on Apple TV+ https://t.co/JzyoaigHzG
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) October 27, 2026
The reception has been overwhelmingly positive. As Film Updates shared, ‘Tenzing’ is now Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, holding a 98% critics’ score and a 92% audience score. The critics’ score is based on 61 reviews, while the audience rating draws from more than 250 verified ratings. The film is rated PG and runs just over 2 hours.
Much of the praise centers on Phuntsok. Next Best Picture described his work as a breakthrough performance full of soulfulness, grit, and integrity, while Collider argued that the movie belongs entirely to him.
History remembers the summit, but not always the man who made it possible. Based on the incredible true story of Tenzing Norgay and the first summit of Mount Everest. #Tenzing — In select theaters Oct 9 and streaming Oct 16 on Apple TV https://t.co/8V4lzSWP5k
— Apple TV (@AppleTV) September 16, 2026
RogerEbert.com highlighted how his eyes convey both contentment and a deeper sadness, giving emotional weight to the story. Screen Daily noted that all 3 actors portraying Norgay across different stages of his life are affecting, especially Phuntsok.
Hiddleston has been praised for playing Hillary as a generous, understated partner who never overshadows the film’s lead. Several critics noted the warm chemistry between him and Phuntsok, built on trust and mutual respect.
Dafoe has also drawn positive notice as Hunt. Collider said his performance offers more warmth than expected, while Screen Daily called him particularly lovely as a buttoned-up leader who comes to admire Norgay.
Experience the story behind the history. #Tenzing https://t.co/SW4dvG0zve
— Apple TV (@AppleTV) October 22, 2026
Not every review was glowing. The Hollywood Reporter described the drama as staid, while Screen Daily found it too restrained to be truly stirring, and JoBlo felt it was a little too clean for a story surrounded by death.
Even so, many of those critics acknowledged the film’s grandeur, stunning mountain imagery, and its tribute to Sherpas who have long been overlooked despite being vital to every Everest expedition.
The film unfolds in a nonlinear structure, moving between Tenzing’s childhood, young adulthood, and middle age. It also explores the tensions he navigated while balancing Hunt’s demands with the concerns of his fellow Sherpas.
For many viewers, that focus is what makes ‘Tenzing’ stand out. By placing Norgay at the center, the film offers a fresh perspective on a historic achievement that has rarely been told through his eyes. With its Certified Fresh badge and a strong audience response, ‘Tenzing’ is now available to stream on Apple TV for anyone eager to revisit one of history’s greatest climbs.
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