--- title: "Tenzing: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/tenzing/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/tenzing" critics_score: 66 critics_reviews: 11 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Tenzing (2026): what the critics said Critics' score 66 from 11 reviews: 8 positive, 1 mixed, 2 negative. Most critics come away warm rather than stirred. The reviews agree on what the film does well: it puts Tenzing Norgay and the Sherpas at the centre of the Everest story, and several critics credit Genden Phuntsok’s lead performance, variously called charming, heartfelt and expressive, with carrying it. The mountain sequences draw the other cluster of praise, described as immersive and tactile, with a nod or two for the spiritual framing of the climb and for Rebekka Karijord’s score. The reservations are about the biopic shape. Several reviews call it conventional, predictable or slow to start, and a few think it idealises its subject. The spread is wide. The harshest notices date from the festival screenings: The Hollywood Reporter finds it likable but forgettable, and Screen Daily too restrained to move. Slant, later, thinks it thin as biography even while admiring the climb. The remaining reviews are kinder, settling on satisfying and well-meaning rather than remarkable. ## Variety — Owen Gleiberman Fi1m's normalised score 90/100 (inferred from the text). 10 October 2026. Festival review. The critic finds the drama bold, inspiring, and gripping. He singles out its immersive, rigorously staged climb and its honoring of Tenzing’s rightful place in history. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2026/film/reviews/tenzing-review-tom-hiddelston-mount-everest-1236907307/) ## Little White Lies — Anna Stafford Rating 3/4/4. 5 October 2026. Stafford finds the film a welcome shift in perspective, though it sometimes leans on familiar biopic conventions. She praises its portrayal of Tenzing’s spiritual bond with the mountain and the people and culture behind his achievement. [Read the review](https://lwlies.com/reviews/tenzing) ## The AV Club — Monica Castillo Rating B-. 8 October 2026. Castillo finds the biopic conventional but engaging, and says its focus on overlooked Sherpa heroes restores humanity to the story. She particularly praises Genden Phuntsok’s heartfelt lead performance. [Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/tenzing-review-everest-nogray-apple-genden-phuntsok-tom-hiddleston-biopic) ## The Guardian — Peter Bradshaw Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 9 October 2026. Bradshaw finds the film well-intentioned and watchable, though sometimes soft-edged. He praises Genden Phuntsok’s charm, which carries the picture and helps centre Tenzing’s story. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/oct/09/tenzing-review-genden-phuntsok-tom-hiddleston-apple-willem-dafoe-v) ## Slant Magazine — Anzhe Zhang Rating 2/4. 4 October 2026. The critic finds the film hagiographic and thin as biography, despite its immersive climb. They praise the tactile, suspenseful Everest sequences and the climbers’ adventure together. [Read the review](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/tenzing-review-tom-hiddleston/) ## Screen Daily — Tim Grierson Fi1m's normalised score 35/100 (inferred from the text). 24 September 2026. Grierson finds the biopic too restrained to become truly stirring. The headline singles out its muted treatment of Tenzing Norgay’s story as the main shortcoming. [Read the review](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/tenzing-review-biopic-of-overlooked-tibetan-everest-summiteer-tenzing-norgay-proves-too-restrained-to-be-truly-stirring/5220731.article) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Angie Han Fi1m's normalised score 35/100 (inferred from the text). 8 September 2026. Festival review. Han finds the film likable but ultimately forgettable, held back by a familiar, staid biopic formula. She praises its spiritual reframing of the climb while faulting its underdeveloped characters and lack of suspense. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/tenzing-review-tom-hiddleston-apple-1236692409/) ## Collider — Tania Hussain Rating 8/10. 17 September 2026. Festival review. The review finds the film warm and emotionally rewarding, despite slow stretches and a tendency to idealize Tenzing. It especially praises Genden Phuntsok’s expressive lead performance and the immersive mountain sequences. [Read the review](https://collider.com/tenzing-movie-review-tom-hiddleston-genden-phuntsok/) ## The Playlist — Gregory Ellwood Rating C+/C. 5 September 2026. Festival review. Ellwood finds the biopic moving but predictable, with a slow first hour that gives way to a satisfying adventure. He particularly praises the film’s striking mountain vistas and Rebekka Karijord’s score. [Read the review](https://theplaylist.net/tenzing-review-telluride-mount-everest-20260905/) ## Deadline — Pete Hammond Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 7 September 2026. Festival review. Hammond finds the film an inspirational, moving account, though it takes its time building momentum. He praises its focus on Tenzing and the spiritual mountain sequence that honors his late wife’s role in his dream. [Read the review](https://deadline.com/2026/09/tenzing-review-tom-hiddleston-biopic-mt-everest-telluride-1237069686/) ## The Wrap Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 8 October 2026. The critic finds it a satisfying, glossy biopic whose familiar underdog beats make for crowd-pleasing inspiration. They single out the immersive mountain vistas and Genden Phuntsok’s charming lead performance for praise. [Read the review](https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/tenzing-review-tom-hiddleston-genden-phuntsok-apple/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/tenzing.md