The Fittest

The Fittest, released in 2020, is an inspiring, riveting, inside look at the world's most grueling and arguably rewarding fitness competition: The CrossFit Games. Directed by Heber Cannon and Marston Sawyers, the film is not only a rigorous examination of what it takes to be termed "the fittest," but also a provocative exploration of human strength, flipping the script on what one might expect from a sports documentary. The lead characters of the film are Hayley Adams, Heber Cannon, and Dave Castro.

The Fittest picks up from where The Redeemed and the Dominant, its predecessor, left off. It starts with preparations for the 2019 CrossFit Games, regarded as the Olympics of CrossFit, and follows a group of top athletes as they gear up for this ultimate showdown. Every year, the event attracts thousands of competitors globally, who compete in regional events for a chance to make it to the finals. It's a harrowing competition that tests not just physical prowess but also mental determination, resilience, and grit. Each competitor must reach deep down into what might seem an inhuman reservoir of strength, endurance, and perseverance.

The film pays particular attention to the exceptional talent and strength of Hayley Adams, one of the young upcoming stars of CrossFit. Her journey from being a rookie athlete to gracing the final stages of the competition is quite a spectacle and certainly an inspiration to women and girls who aspire to the highest level of athleticism.

Another enticing story in this documentary is that of Heber Cannon. Known not only for his physical strength and athletic ability, but also for his unrivaled mental fortitude, Heber takes viewers not just on a journey of his physical training, but also into his mind, revealing what it takes to succeed in such a challenging competition. His charismatic personality, evident in this documentary, downplays the extreme dedication and persistence needed to become a top competitor.

Dave Castro, the mastermind behind the creation of the CrossFit Games and right-hand man of CrossFit's founder Greg Glassman, is also featured. The Fittest beautifully captures Castro using his innovative, sometimes controversial, methods to make the CrossFit Games the ultimate test of fitness, pushing competitors to their physiological and psychological limits.

The power and emotion of the human stories in The Fittest are genuinely compelling. We see athletes committing to hours of training each day, watching their diet, sacrificing time with family and friends, all in a quest to win the atlas of The CrossFit Games. Amid this physically excruciating world, the film profoundly captures the emotional turmoil and pressure the athletes face, the joy of every triumph, and the heartbreak of every setback.

Spectacular imagery, well-paced editing, and dynamic storylines add to the intrigue of the film. Also, the expert commentary gives a detailed breakdown of what it takes to be a competitor in the CrossFit Games - physically, mentally and emotionally. The film is not just confined to the displays of physical prowess but extends into an exploration of the very human narrative behind each accomplishment and failure.

This film also does an excellent job of demystifying the sport of CrossFit, making it approachable and engaging not just for the CrossFit community, but for a broader audience, too. Viewers unfamiliar with CrossFit can watch The Fittest and leave with a solid understanding of the sport's ethos, community, and how its competitors willingly face the daunting task of becoming the world's fittest individuals.

The Fittest defies the traditional boundaries of a sports documentary - it's not just about capturing physical strength or showcasing a sport; it's about exposing human nature, exploring the extent to which a passionate individual can push their body and mind in pursuit of greatness. It's about that thin line between agony and ecstasy, a line only those who dare greatly can traverse. As such, The Fittest from 2020 delivers a compelling, thrilling and ultimately, an inspiring experience.