In The Climb, director Michael Angelo Covino presents a downbeat and deliciously off-kilter comedy which spans years in the life of Mike (Covino) and Kyle (co writer Kyle Marvin), two bickering best friends who fall out over a woman.
We first meet Mike and Kyle on the eve of Kyle’s wedding to fiancée Eva (a brief yet memorable turn courtesy of French actor Judith Godrèche). Whilst discussing their enduring friendship, Mike admits to having slept with Eva some years earlier. Kyle immediately calls off his wedding and tells Mike that he no longer wants them to be friends.
Years later, having fallen on hard times, Mike is once again back in Kyle’s life. The two fall out once more when Mike does all he can to ruin Kyle’s relationship with bossy new girlfriend Marissa (an excellent turn by Gayle Rankin).
Subtle, gorgeously acted and hilariously funny. This wonderfully observed comedy often feels more like a philosophical endeavour than your average laugh a minute buddy movie. I loved every second of it.
The Climb is in cinemas from Friday 23rd of October