'The Ascent' Review
- John Odette
- May 18
- 2 min read
Release Date: --/--/-- [TBA]
Genre: Biography. Documentary. Drama. Mystery. Sport.
MPAA: Not Rated.
The Verdict: A Must-See
The human spirit is a wonderful, rapturous enigma. By accomplishing feats of seemingly supernatural length, the determined individual demonstrates such indomitable fortitude that we can only respond in awe. Such is the case with bilateral amputee Mandy Horvath, who exudes fierce determination in the documentary The Ascent, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2021 with only her hands and grit to carry her.
But that is only half the story.
The Ascent is indeed an appropriate title in context with Mandy’s climbing expedition. But digging deeper into Mandy’s past lies a search for the reasons why her legs were amputated by a train in the quaint village of Steele City, Nebraska, in 2014. The Ascent is indeed capturing something literal, but also a metaphorical, even spiritual, climb. A journey towards the truth and answers.
This documentary is engaging and energetic from beginning to end, operating as both a hybrid travel-adventure experience and a true crime thriller. We switch back and forth between Mandy’s present situation and her journey up the 19,341 feet of Mount Kilimanjaro, with frequent stops for sleep, rest, food, medical aid, and confidence-boosting from her guides.
The investigative piece recounts the events of Mandy’s upbringing and young adult life, and how the social conditions led to the fateful night when she was allegedly drugged and dragged to be splayed across railroad ties. Both segments flow well together, interspersed with interviews and testimonies that fill in details that are appetizing and addictive as more information reveals itself.
The filmmakers understand that this story needs a delicate balance, and their assembly of the footage inspires such ardent investment as we come to care for Mandy. Not just because she’s feisty and tenacious, or that she was a victim of a horrible crime, or because she is attempting a challenge that few humans (who still have their legs) will ever achieve. We champion Mandy for the same reason we might cheer for Frodo at the end of Return of the King or the Jamaican athletes pushing their broken bobsled across the finish line at the end of Cool Runnings.
They have become heroes. Mandy is doing something heroic, not to prove herself to others, but to prove to herself that she will not be defeated.
The Ascent is a sublime, engaging testament to the human spirit; destined to please true crime aficionados and adventure enthusiasts alike.
