Tom Hiddleston’s ‘Tenzing’ Achieves Career-Best 100% Score on Rotten Tomatoes
Mountain films often promise breathtaking visuals but can fall into predictable patterns. Stories centered on Everest typically revolve around danger, ambition, and the thrill of reaching the peak, making the initial Rotten Tomatoes score for ‘Tenzing’ particularly noteworthy for a film about one of history’s most iconic climbs.
Directed by Jennifer Peedom and penned by Luke Davies, the drama focuses on the 1953 British expedition to Mount Everest, centering on Tenzing Norgay (Genden Phuntsok) rather than Sir Edmund Hillary. Tom Hiddleston portrays Hillary, while Willem Dafoe takes on the role of expedition leader Colonel John Hunt.
The first critical reviews are in, and they are impressive. With 13 reviews counted, ‘Tenzing’ has debuted with a flawless 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, marking it as the highest-rated film of Hiddleston’s career on the platform, surpassing ‘Archipelago’ at 96% and ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ at 93%.
The film premiered at the 53rd Telluride Film Festival on September 4 before making its way to the Toronto International Film Festival. Critics have praised the film for its decision to portray Tenzing as the hero, emphasizing his spiritual connection to the mountain he reveres as Chomolungma, contrasting with the British perspective of conquest.
Phuntsok’s performance has garnered attention for its subtlety and expressiveness. Critics have also noted the evolving camaraderie between Tenzing and Hillary, who are both outsiders in a team defined by hierarchy. Hiddleston and Dafoe have received accolades for their strong supporting roles, with one reviewer noting that Hiddleston skillfully avoids overshadowing his co-star.
As always, a debut score like this invites scrutiny. The Rotten Tomatoes score may fluctuate as more critics submit their reviews ahead of the film’s October release. Some outlets have pointed out that the 100% rating is based on a limited number of reviews, while Metacritic reflects a more tempered average of 65 across seven reviews, with four positive, three mixed, and none negative.
Not all critics have been completely enamored. The Hollywood Reporter described the film as generally likable but ultimately forgettable, arguing that it keeps its main characters at a respectful distance. Screen Rant’s review from TIFF characterized it as a competent retelling that follows familiar sports-drama tropes, yet praised both leads for their exceptional performances despite limited material.
History remembers the summit, but not always the man who made it possible.
Based on the incredible true story of Tenzing Norgay and the first summit of Mount Everest.#Tenzing — In select theaters Oct 9 and streaming Oct 16 on Apple TV pic.twitter.com/8V4lzSWP5k
— Apple TV (@AppleTV) September 16, 2026
The journey to the screen was not straightforward. Initially developed in 2021 with Netflix and Higher Ground, Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, Apple acquired worldwide rights after a competitive bidding process at the Cannes market in May 2024, with Hiddleston and Dafoe already attached.
Peedom brings a unique perspective to the project, having previously directed the BAFTA-nominated documentary ‘Sherpa,’ which she was filming when a tragic avalanche on Everest claimed the lives of 16 Sherpa guides in 2014. Caitríona Balfe co-stars as expedition secretary Jill Henderson, and Thinley Lhamo plays Tenzing’s wife, Dawa.
‘Tenzing’ will open in select theaters on October 9 before streaming on Apple TV on October 16. This timing sets Hiddleston up for a busy few months, with his return as Loki in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ also on the horizon. A critically acclaimed Everest drama is an excellent way for the actor to showcase his versatility.
Regardless of whether the score remains at 100% or adjusts as more reviews come in, the early buzz has undoubtedly placed ‘Tenzing’ on the radar for awards season. Peedom’s film is shaping up to be one of the most discussed releases this fall.
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