First Ascent

First Ascent is a 2010 adventure documentary series presented by CuriosityStream. This groundbreaking series showcases the thrilling and adrenaline-pounding world of rock climbing, as the climbing community attempts several first ascents, aiming to reach fresh peaks that have never been conquered before. The series offers an intimate depiction of an endlessly enthralling subculture of adventurers and the challenges they face, offering a unique one of a kind perspective on what it truly means to scale heights that others can only dream of.

The 6-part series is directed and produced by Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen of Sender Films, who execute the series with the same zest and enthusiasm that climbers approach a new mountain. For the uninitiated, 'First Ascent' refers to the act of being the first to scale a previously untouched summit. A great deal of pride and competition is attached to achieving the first ascent of a new peak—an achievement that climbers often strive for, embodying the very spirit of exploration. This series manages to capture that competitive spirit, marrying it with the relentless desire to conquer the unknown.

The series focuses on a group of highly skilled climbers, each of them acknowledged and celebrated figures in the climbing world. They hail from different walks of life, each with their own experiences, perspectives, and approaches to climbing. Yet what binds them together is their insatiable thirst for adventure and reaching great heights. As viewers, we are given a unique chance to bear witness to their impressive talents, their grandiose ambitions, and their infectious passion for new challenges.

First Ascent explores the compelling personalities of these climbers, fleshing out who they are beyond their climbing prowess. Personal anecdotes, interviews, and footage from their previous climbs help to paint a complete picture of these individuals. The series delves into their mental preparation, fears, hopes, setbacks, and victories, resulting in a humanizing portrayal that spotlights them not just as superhuman climbers scaling mountains, but real people grappling with real-life situations.

In terms of cinematography and visuals, First Ascent impresses. The series features breathtaking panoramic shots of mountains, valleys, and landscapes far and wide, showcasing the harsh yet beautiful environments that climbers thrive in. The filmmakers capture the scale and sheer magnitude of the mountains in such a way that viewers can understand why climbers are compelled to conquer them. Despite this, the series never shies away from depicting the life-threatening dangers and risks that climbers take on their expeditions.

The obstacles that climbers face make for some intense, edge-of-your-seat moments. Footage of climbers perilously clinging onto terrifyingly sharp precipices, knuckles white and faces grim with focus, leave viewers in a state of constant suspense. This aspect of the series ensures that even viewers who might not be avid climbers themselves are engulfed in the thrill of it all. A memorable score accompanies these exhilarating scenes, elevating the emotional impact.

Yet, amid this drama, First Ascent also showcases the camaraderie and tight-knit community that exists within the climbing world. The climbers, while competitive, are also immensely supportive of each other. Their shared understanding of the risks and rewards of mountain climbing create a strong bond that is fascinating to witness.

First Ascent takes viewers on a thrilling journey up some of the highest and most forbidding peaks in the world. It's a highly emotional and gripping series that puts the viewer right there on the mountain with these climbers, sharing in their victories, disappointments, hopes, and fears. It provides an intimate look into the extreme sport of climbing, making it a must-watch for anyone, climber or otherwise, curious about human determination and the pursuit of the unattainable.