As a follower of rooftopping and a fan of the Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story,” I find myself both captivated and conflicted by this exhilarating yet dangerous subculture. The film follows the story of Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, two Russian rooftoppers who have gained notoriety for their daring climbs and impressive poses atop tall structures.
Rooftopping is an unlawful and thrilling activity where people clandestinely ascend tall structures such as cranes, skyscrapers, radio towers, and more, using various methods including crawling, climbing, and even walking. This hobby combines elements of free climbing, urban exploration, and parkour. In the recent Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story,” Russian climber Angela Nikolau is featured for her unique contribution to this sport by integrating gymnastics and a delicate feminine touch. Her captivating poses, ranging from relaxed to intense, drew the attention of fellow climber Ivan Beerkus, leading them to work together. Their shared talent and striking good looks likely played a role in their budding romance as well.
A Love Story” can be confusing and predictable. It starts off in a typical documentary style, mid-action, with Angela and Ivan desperately trying to climb Kuala Lumpur’s Merdeka 118 tower in 2022 while everyone below is focused on the World Cup final between France and Argentina. The movie then goes back in time to tell their complete story, from Angela’s upbringing in a circus family, to their first collaboration, to their attempts to surpass greater challenges, all with an eye on their growing fan base. Throughout their journey, there are expected moments of struggle. Political unrest in Ukraine is a setback. COVID-19 is an interruption. A breakup is a distraction. Their narrative appears authentic, but the filmmaking can make it seem contrived since directors Jeff Zimbalist and Maria Bukhonina aim to include every clichéd plot twist at the most obvious moments. Even the initial tension on top of the Merdeka tower, the second-tallest building in the world, has an unrealistic touch: There’s a massive bright light shining on Ivan’s face as he hides from the workers and tries not to cough. Really? A giant light, visible to everyone?
Perhaps the light existed, as these individuals document each action and gain recognition through sharing captivating content with their vast audience. Living in a society where recording devices are always within reach, they even capture moments deemed private or sensitive. This realm presents a balance between persistent performance and raw authenticity, primarily showcased through exhilarating drone shots of Ivan and Angela’s daring feats. Filmmakers swiftly edit and transition between the duo’s poses, missteps, fears, and high-wire walks on precarious aerial structures. The camera seldom stays still.
In the last ten years, rooftopping has gained significant popularity among young people in the former Soviet Union. This could be an indication of a generation feeling powerless and seeking to express themselves against the backdrop of rapidly evolving and suppressive cityscapes. Although rooftoppers come from various parts of the world, it seems that this sense of desperation and desire for self-expression is becoming more widespread. The allure of reaching the summit of a towering building and peering over the edge is undeniable. For someone like me, who becomes uneasy just at the sight of a rooftop gutter, these images and videos are both thrilling and unnerving.
Despite its flaws, “Skywalkers” is generally engaging to watch. It’s a pity that we as viewers are often left only taking in small moments instead of fully absorbing the depth of what’s happening. This potential for tension and exploration is unfortunately likely edited for quick consumption on the internet. Beneath this confusing, amusing, aggravating film lies a story that might resonate with our modern experiences. Thus, the underlying theme of this picture is the complex relationship between raw physical accomplishment and preplanned public image that these individuals embody.
But then, you look down.
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2024-07-22 18:39