Controversial Netflix documentary is nearly giving viewers 'anxiety attacks'
A daredevil Russian couple who climb to the tops of skyscrapers to capture breathtaking social media content have got Netflix hearts all a flutter. But while thousands are lapping up this extraordinary romantic tale, many are unhappy the pair are 'ri
A new Netflix documentary is both thrilling and repelling viewers - with some even claiming that watching it almost game them a panic attack.
Skywalkers: A Love Story follows Russian thrill-seekers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus as they scale towering buildings - with seemingly little thought for safety - to capture breathtaking content for social media. Amid their high-risk adventures, they navigate a passionate and intense romantic relationship, riffing on the Hollywood notion that spending your life on the edge can lead to falling in love.
Filmed over seven years, this documentary weaves together more than 200 hours of footage, including Angela and Ivan’s own daring recordings, to deliver an exhilarating and intimate look at their lives. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes awarded the documentary a decent 72 per cent, with the consensus being "Blending romance with vertiginous thrill-seeking, Skywalkers: A Love Story is a documentary of truly dizzying proportions."
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Elsewhere, John Nugent of Empire gave it 3 out of 5 stars. He praised the film's ability to get under the viewers' skin, but "doesn't quite reach the heights it could." Nell Minow, writing for RogerEbert.com , rated the film 2 out of 5 stars, describing the climbs as 'somewhat performative' and the lead couple 'completely self-centered'.
'This documentary damn near gave me a panic attack'
The documentary has been met with a groundswell of positive response on social media, with X users both singing its praises, but also voicing concern:
Mike McGranahan: "I just watched Skywalkers: A Love Story on Netflix. I don't think I've ever had every muscle in my body clenched tight for 100 non-stop minutes before. This [documentary] damn near gave me a panic attack. [It's very good, though!]"
Josh Barton: "The last half hour of Skywalkers: A Love Story is more thrilling than most films these days. The two of them are absolutely nuts but they've found love together doing something they have a passion for. Some of the shots are utterly breathtaking! Get this film nominated for some cinematography!"
Richclassdecor: "OMG!! This is unlike any other documentary I have ever seen! Raw, real, beautiful and you are one brave girl! Simply wow! I love the story of you and your courage, but there were moments when was like 'whaaaaaatt!!' How did she get up there and take that shot? I love what you do, but yeah I’m worried about your safety sis! God bless you and wish you all the success!"
Liad Shababo: "I’ve watched a lot of rooftopping videos on YouTube. But never seen anything like the new Skywalkers doc on Netflix."
Britt Nisco: "Everyone needs to watch Skywalkers (on Netflix) immediately. I was lucky to see it at Sundance this year, and it was truly the wildest theatre experience ever."
'I dislike it when people risk their lives for likes'
But amid all the praise were a fair few rumblings of criticism levelled at Skywalkers, most notably that it seemed to glamourise danger.
Here's just a selection of what some on Youtube had to say:
@DBYouTubehandle: "I dislike it when people risk their lives for likes. This might be personal motivation/drive for them, or adrenaline junkies, but I don’t like encouraging something that’s potentially fatal."
@Bookworm: "Netflix, I think you are being irresponsible for putting this out. It's not a good idea to make people famous for doing illegal and [potentially] fatal things."
@Nigerian-born-american: "If I want excitement, I watch a movie. Who gets excited about risking their lives?"
@Deliciouslyfiercemedia: "I personally think it’s illogical to do such dangerous activities and risk your life for adrenaline or to prove some point. But one thing I will do is sit back with snacks and a beverage in hand and be a spectator watching the stupid do stupid things from the sidelines and safety of my home. And all the while thinking to myself, “what the hell is wrong with these ppl”?"
@Loveabun: "I predict this will end very badly for one or both of them someday. Life is way too precious to repeatedly test it in such a dangerous manner. I can’t help but think of all the people who have deeply suffered and died due to cancer, Covid or tragic accidents. Seems disrespectful to these lost souls for this couple to repeatedly push the envelope with your very lives."
@garylancaster8612: "One day, one of them will watch the other one plummet to their death. Probably quite soon. It takes literally one slip."
@chuckclark9464: "You are nuts. Living on the edge is one thing - but tempting fate? That’s ridiculous."
@Dckingdaggoat: "Just finished watching, and I'm sure I've never watched anything in my life that gave me more anxiety. And I'm not saying that loosely. This was SO good. They are psycho LMAO. Highly recommend to watch on the big screen with all of the lights out. If you are afraid of heights, be cautious, this may give you an anxiety attack."
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