8.3
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The Ascent
2026·Movie
The Ascent fingerprint
Striking style, no humor.
Energy
Tense
- Tension7
- Adrenaline6
- Fast Pace5
Heart
Deeply moving and cathartic
- Pathos9
- Catharsis8
- Hopefulness7
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay2
- Situational Comedy1
- Dark Humor1
World
A real life story, everyday modern life, and sports
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability6
- Dialogue Centrality5
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Sound Centrality7
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and cathartic
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, cathartic, and hopeful.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder3Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay2Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Wholesome5Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumA real life story, everyday modern life, and sports
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around a real life story, everyday modern life, and sports. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Biographical10Lives of notable figures.
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Sports8Competition, training, and teamwork.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
MediumStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity4Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Educational6Informative and instructive.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality5Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
The inspiring true story of bilateral-amputee climber Mandy Horvath's record-breaking attempt to crawl to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and the mysterious circumstances under which she lost her legs at the age of 21.
Inspirational True StoryAthletic Redemption ArcPsychological ResilienceSports DramaBiographical RealismEmotional CatharsisOvercoming AdversityGritty DeterminationHuman Spirit TriumphCharacter-Driven Narrative
Crew
Directed by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Ascent
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Ascent worth watching?
91
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 92/100 (IMDb 8.3 and Rotten Tomatoes 100%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Ascent rated?
Disturbing imageryDrug use
Content advisories: disturbing imagery and drug use.
How long is The Ascent?
1 h 42 min
The Ascent runs 1 h 42 min.
Is The Ascent based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Ascent?
Critics100
Audiences83
Not quite. Critics rate The Ascent higher (100) than audiences (83). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is The Ascent in?
EnglishSwahili
It was made in English, with some Swahili. Produced in United States.