‘Tenzing,’ starring Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe, premieres on Apple TV

Apple Original Films’ adventure feature ‘Tenzing’ is now streaming on Apple TV. The film stars Genden Phuntsok, Tom Hiddleston and Willem Dafoe.

Based on true events, it follows Tenzing Norgay and New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary, who were the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

The Everest expedition story

Phuntsok plays Tenzing Norgay, a gifted Himalayan climber. Hiddleston portrays Hillary, Dafoe plays Colonel John Hunt, and Caitríona Balfe portrays expedition secretary Jill Henderson. Thinley Lhamo plays Dawa Norgay.

Apple TV’s description says Tenzing, supported by his wife Dawa and Henderson, persuades Hunt to include him on the British climbing team rather than keep him in a supporting role. The film also explores divisions of background, class and ambition: Western climbers view Everest as something to conquer, while Tenzing reveres Chomolungma as a sacred mother goddess.

The film had a limited theatrical premiere several days before its streaming release. It follows the documentary ‘The Last First: Winter K2,’ which premiered on October 2, as the second recent mountain-climbing release set against an icy landscape.

Apple TV costs $14.99 per month and is also included in the Apple One bundle. Other titles on the service include ‘Ted Lasso,’ ‘Severance,’ ‘The Studio,’ ‘The Morning Show,’ ‘Shrinking’ and ‘Silo.’