Finding Michael

PG, Documentary | Executive Producers Bear Grylls and Nimsdai Purja | Available on Disney+

This is an absorbing documentary detailing the attempted recovery of Michael Matthews, a climber who died on Mount Everest over 20 years ago. His younger brother coordinates a search based on a grainy photograph of a body that he believes may belong to Michael. The past and present are interwoven as we view original footage of Michael’s climb alongside that of the rescuers as they retrace his steps. The risks involved in climbing Everest are evident as many bodies are discovered along the way. Themes of grief and familial dedication intertwine as does a sense of shared humanity. (Reviewed by Fay Foster)