Tom Hiddleston’s 125-Minute True Story Apple TV Movie Officially Beats Avengers: Infinity War

Tom Hiddleston has traded Loki’s godly mischief for the world’s highest mountain, and his latest film is scaling impressive critical heights. Tenzing, a 125-minute adventure drama based on the historic first confirmed ascent of Mount Everest, has arrived on Apple TV with a Rotten Tomatoes score surpassing Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War. Directed by Jennifer Peedom, Tenzing currently holds 95% Tomatometer score, comfortably ahead of Avengers: Infinity War’s 85% critics’ rating.

Although the new film was previously reported at 98%, its rating has fluctuated as additional reviews arrived. The comparison concerns critical reception, not box-office earnings or audience popularity. Following a limited theatrical debut on October 9, the film began streaming globally on Apple TV on October 16.

Its remarkable reception gives Hiddleston another critically acclaimed project beyond the Marvel Cinematic Universe, although the real hero of this story is a mountaineer whose achievements have too often stood in someone else’s shadow.

Why Is Tenzing Outscoring Avengers: Infinity War?

Thor in Avengers: Infinity War | Credit: Marvel Studios

Tenzing recounts the extraordinary journey of Tenzing Norgay (Genden Phuntsok), who, alongside New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary, completed the first confirmed successful ascent of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953. Rather than presenting the expedition solely as a Western triumph, Peedom examines the Sherpa climber’s determination to earn recognition beyond his supporting role on British expeditions. Willem Dafoe portrays expedition leader John Hunt, while Caitríona Balfe plays Jill Henderson, who supports Tenzing’s inclusion in the climbing team.

The 125-minute runtime confirmed by Apple TV gives the film room to explore Norgay’s family, cultural identity, and spiritual relationship with Everest, known to him as Chomolungma. Peedom’s approach contrasts sharply with the cosmic spectacle of Avengers: Infinity War, where Hiddleston portrayed Loki opposite Josh Brolin’s Thanos.  While the Marvel blockbuster earned approximately $2.05 billion worldwide, Tenzing currently has a higher percentage of positive critics’ reviews, although the two films differ considerably in genre, scale, and audience expectations. Speaking to Variety, Peedom explained why she wanted to challenge conventional Everest narratives:

That philosophy gives the drama its distinctive emotional backbone. Instead of treating Everest as a trophy, the film explores perseverance, cultural respect, and the partnership that made mountaineering history.

How Did Tom Hiddleston Prepare for His Everest Role?

Credit: Apple TV

Tom Hiddleston’s transformation into Edmund Hillary demanded considerably more than a convincing New Zealand accent. According to Condé Nast Traveler’s October 16 report, the production involved extensive mountaineering preparation, with filming taking place in Nepal and New Zealand’s mountainous terrain. Peedom also sent Hiddleston and Phuntsok trekking toward Everest Base Camp together, allowing them to develop the camaraderie central to their characters’ historic partnership.

Explaining that decision to Variety, the director said:

Peedom’s documentary background, particularly her acclaimed 2015 film Sherpa, helped inform the production’s approach to the mountain and the communities surrounding it. With Tenzing now streaming on Apple TV, Hiddleston’s portrayal of Hillary introduces another generation to the partnership that made Everest history. Its 95% Rotten Tomatoes score also gives the actor a notable critical achievement beyond his MCU career.

Does Tenzing deserve its higher Rotten Tomatoes score, or is Avengers: Infinity War still Tom Hiddleston’s more memorable film?

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