Is The Dark Side Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2025)

📖 The Core Premise

The Dark Side returns to the screen in 2025, bringing a fresh narrative to the Documentary genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "For BD Athlete Carlo Traversi, Yosemite Valley is more than just a climbing area. It’s his past, present, and future. From his grom days climbing Midnight Lightning as a young teen in baggy athletic shorts, to his recent FA of the park’s hardest boulder, the blocs of Yosemite have become Carlo’s testing ground—a veritable canvas for creativity and craft. The Dark Side is a film documenting the often-overshadowed climbing of Yosemite—the boulders where jedis—from Kauk to Carlo—learn to harness the force."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In The Dark Side, even the presence of Carlo Traversi struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Dark Side worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Dark Side misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 47 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.