“Skywalkers: A Love Story,” debuting this Friday on Netflix, is an intriguing yet superficial documentary about two Russian social media influencers who find love and fame by scaling urban skyscrapers. The film follows Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, a Moscow couple who risk their lives for the perfect Instagram post, but the depth of their relationship often feels lost amid the self-promotion.
Nikolau and Beerkus, both with athletic backgrounds, engage in a high-wire romance that unfolds atop some of the world’s tallest structures. The documentary, directed by Jeff Zimbalist and co-directed by Maria Bukhonina, begins with an ominous warning about the dangerous and illegal activities depicted, urging viewers not to imitate their stunts.
The couple’s relationship starts with an invitation to climb a structure in China. Beerkus, the more experienced climber, seeks new ways to captivate his sponsors, while Nikolau, a former acrobat, quickly adapts to the world of “rooftopping.” As they travel and their social media fame grows, their photos of kissing on high-rise edges go viral, boosting their popularity. Despite their claims of aspiring to “art,” the images they create often resemble screensavers more than artistic expressions.
“Skywalkers” follows the couple through their global adventures, offering glimpses of their practical tips for staying safe, like never lingering on a rooftop for more than 15 minutes—a lesson learned after causing a commotion atop Notre Dame. They typically infiltrate construction sites by posing as workers, and while the ascent is perilous, they find that no one questions them on the way down.
The film’s climax centers on their attempt to scale Malaysia’s Merdeka super-skyscraper, a particularly challenging endeavor. The structure of “Skywalkers” echoes that of James Marsh’s acclaimed “Man on Wire,” which detailed Philippe Petit’s high-wire walk between the Twin Towers in 1974. However, “Skywalkers” lacks the romanticism and depth of “Man on Wire,” leaving viewers without a profound understanding of either Nikolau or Beerkus. Their interactions often seem scripted, diminishing the authenticity of their connection.
For a more genuine and poetic exploration of high-stakes climbing, viewers might prefer Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin’s “Free Solo,” which documents Alex Honnold’s ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite. Unlike the passion-driven Petit and Honnold, Nikolau and Beerkus appear more enamored with their selfie sticks than the heights they conquer.
“Skywalkers: A Love Story,” rated R by the Motion Picture Association for language, has a running time of 100 minutes and earns one and a half stars out of four.
