"Free Solo" wins best documentary feature, and all is right in the world...

If you know me, then you know – I love “Free Solo.” It’s my movie of 2018. I saw it three times in theaters, dragging my family to Edwards over Thanksgiving because they “needed to see it in a theater.” If I could, I’d watch it on a loop in my mind for hours. And regardless of all of my thoughts and opinions on the 2019 Academy Awards, I can sleep well knowing that “Free Solo” got its award. 

It’s not so much that I am enamored with the athletic and mental capabilities shown in the film. Rather, I love this movie for the character it shares with us. And that’s really what the film is all about – the climb becomes almost a side story. Alex Honnold has such a unique, special perspective on life. I could listen to him talk for hours. Yes, at times he may seem a little absurd, even crazy, but there is truth in what he says – his thoughts on overcoming challenges and what makes a meaningful life.

The film encapsulates so many complex areas in such a concise, nail-biting, and joyful way. It goes into everything from the ethics of documentary filmmaking to a near impossible athletic achievement to the relationship of Honnold and his girlfriend, Sanni. Another special aspect of the movie for me is seeing how many people have connected with and fallen in love with Alex’s story. Seeing Jason Momoa’s glee at announcing their Oscar win was the best! Watching the creative respect and strong relationship between Jimmy Chin and Chai Vasarhelyi through interviews and social media has been similarly inspiring. From its creation to the films’ response, maybe “Free Solo” (at least for an hour and thirty six minutes) restores my faith in humanity just a little.