“Everest” -- a film based on the true story of a climbing expedition’s attempt to reach Everest’s peak and return safely in the midst of a horrific snowstorm -- is visually enchanting but, unfortunately, lacks complexity. 

As the protagonists take on the icy terrain, it is clear that there is an element missing, the element of the audience’s emotional attachment to the characters. The dialogue, while not terrible, remained mostly superficial, allowing the audience little insight into the depth of each character. Instead, the film reaps its components of “tear-jerking” drama from the limited exposition that vaguely depicts a few character’s personal lives and motives for climbing Everest.

Pulling on many survival movie clichés, Justin Kurzel, a somewhat “newbie” director, strings together a plot that plays off of the bare bones of a tragic tale. Jason Clarke, known for “The Great Gatsby” and “Zero Dark Thirty,” leads the grueling expedition to Everest’s peak as Rob Hall, a humble family man and likable leader. However, even Clarke is shorthanded as his character’s arc seems rushed and his perseverance is less inspiring and more futile and depressing.

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This adaptation, which perhaps would have fared better as a documentary, also felt a massive blow as only two characters were given distinct personalities. Much of the potential for interesting secondary characters was not taken advantage of. An example of this would be how Naoko Mori’s character Yasuko was given little to no dialogue or narrative importance. This proved to be a significant detriment as Mori’s performance was incredible and would have been even more powerful had she been given more to work with. The same is true of veteran actor Jake Gyllenhaal as his character surprisingly seemed like more of an artificial foil for the rest of the protagonists than a legitimate character.

This is not to say that the movie isn’t captivating, because it is. “Everest” rides its action-thriller, visual and audio climaxes throughout its lopsided story succeeding at becoming if not quite a critical masterpiece, a thrilling, box-office powerhouse. Thanks to Colorado cameraman Kent Harvey -- whose beautiful shots of Everest were used along with computer-enhanced graphics -- “Everest” is salvaged from its narrative flaws and remains a movie that is worth the $8.50-ish you have to pay to watch it.

Reach Staff Reporter Daniela Silva here.