MOVIE REVIEW
Skywalkers: A Love Story
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 40m
Director(s): Jeff Zimbalist, Maria Bukhonina
Where To Watch: releasing on Netflix July 19, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: In SKYWALKERS: A LOVE STORY, directors Jeff Zimbalist and Maria Bukhonina offer an enthralling look at the dangerous yet visually captivating world of rooftopping (sometimes called roofing, refers to the unsecured ascent of rooftops, cranes, antennas, bell towers, smokestacks, or other tall structures, usually illegally) through the lives of Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus. This film is an intimate exploration of a relationship under extreme ambition and public scrutiny.

The allure of SKYWALKERS: A LOVE STORY extends beyond mere thrill-seeking; it probes the psychological depths of its protagonists. Angela and Ivan, each carrying their personal histories into the climbs, are not just partners in rooftopping but in navigating the complexities of a relationship laid bare against a backdrop of immense risk. Their climbs are a powerful metaphor for their relationship—each ascent testing their trust and commitment under extreme conditions. The documentary employs innovative cinematography to mirror these themes, utilizing drone footage and GoPros to create a palpable sense of height and danger, drawing the audience into the experience. This is a solid point of the film, putting the fantastic cinematography of MAN ON WIRE in its shadow.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the 2022 World Cup, the narrative zooms in on Angela and Ivan as they scale the Merdeka 118 (the second-tallest building and structure in the world,) aiming to claim a new record and mend the struggles in their personal lives. Angela, hailing from a background of circus performers, brings fierce independence forged by a childhood of upheaval. At the same time, Ivan, the ever-calculating technician, complements her flair with his precision, adding a layer of spectacle to their dangerous ascents.

While the stunts are breathtaking, SKYWALKERS: A LOVE STORY probes deeper, examining the motivations that drive Angela and Ivan to such heights. The film captures the essence of their challenges, but it doesn't shy away from the struggles that they encounter along the way. These moments, coupled with their social media fame, invite viewers to question the authenticity of their pursuits—does genuine passion fuel them, or is it the lure of recognition that drives them?

Moreover, the documentary's exploration of social media's impact on their careers introduces a critical reflection on modern fame and its pressures. As Angela and Ivan ascend higher physically and in their social media stature, the film scrutinizes the authenticity of their online personas versus their real-life challenges. This juxtaposition offers a layered insight into how public validation can propel and complicate personal ambitions.

Despite these narrative hurdles, the documentary shines when portraying the raw, unfiltered realities of rooftopping. The climax atop Merdeka 118 isn’t just a physical feat; it symbolizes the ups and downs of Angela and Ivan's partnership. The film uses this summit as a metaphor for their relationship, showcasing their struggles and triumphs against the sprawling urban landscapes below.

Ultimately, SKYWALKERS: A LOVE STORY is a profound narrative about pushing limits and seeking connections, presenting a gripping and reflective take on the implications of living life on the edge. The documentary leaves its audience mesmerized by the couple’s audacity and contemplative of the profound costs of their death-defying lifestyle.

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[photo courtesy of NETFLIX, ALL RISE FILMS, LIBRARY FILMS, XYZ FILMS]

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