Skywalkers: A Love Story is a 2024 American documentary that brings a mix of romance and high-altitude thrill-seeking to the screen. Directed by Jeff Zimbalist and co-directed by Maria Bukhonina, this film dives into the extreme world of rooftopping—a subculture that involves scaling skyscrapers and other tall structures without safety equipment. The documentary follows the Russian couple Angela Nikolau and Vanya Beerkus, two of the world’s most daring and well-known rooftoppers, as they navigate their relationship and passion for adventure atop dizzying heights.

The Highs and Lows of Rooftopping

Angela Nikolau and Vanya Beerkus have garnered millions of followers on social media due to their jaw-dropping rooftop adventures around the world. The documentary offers a deep dive into their personal and professional lives, capturing their ascent—both literally and metaphorically—into internet fame. The two not only share a love for each other but also for the thrill of pushing the limits of what’s physically possible. The film documents their breathtaking climbs, stunning photography, and the constant risk that surrounds their unconventional lifestyle.

What sets Skywalkers: A Love Story apart is its mix of vertigo-inducing cinematography and intimate, vulnerable moments. While the rooftop stunts will leave viewers gasping, it’s the quieter moments—conversations about fear, ambition, and their future together—that give the film its emotional weight.

Production and Behind-the-Scenes

The film’s co-directors, Jeff Zimbalist and Maria Bukhonina, known for their work on documentaries that tackle extreme topics, approached rooftopping from a fresh perspective. It’s not just about adrenaline-pumping action; it’s about the emotional connection between Angela and Vanya, and how their relationship intertwines with their dangerous passion.

Filmed across various locations around the world—from Shanghai’s glittering skyline to Moscow’s towering apartment blocks—Skywalkers: A Love Story showcases stunning visuals that offer a new perspective on some of the world’s most iconic cities. Cinematography plays a key role in creating the feeling of being right there with the couple on the ledges of buildings that would terrify most.

Netflix Release and Critical Reception

After premiering at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, the documentary was quickly picked up by Netflix for global distribution, releasing on the platform on July 19, 2024. The film received a variety of critical responses. On Rotten Tomatoes, Skywalkers: A Love Story holds a 74% approval rating based on 58 reviews, with an average score of 6.5/10. The critical consensus highlights the unique blend of love and thrill, calling the documentary “a dizzying exploration of romance and adventure.” On Metacritic, the film earned a score of 64/100, indicating generally favorable reviews.

Critic Reviews: A Mixed Bag

Though the concept of combining romance and extreme sports piqued the interest of many, critics were divided on how well the film balanced these elements.

John Nugent from Empire gave the documentary a solid 3 out of 5 stars. He praised its ability to immerse the audience in the risky world of rooftopping but noted that the film “doesn't quite reach the heights it could.” Nugent also raised concerns about whether the documentary inadvertently acted as an advertisement for the couple’s personal brand and NFTs, a move that could potentially detract from the storytelling.

On the other hand, Nell Minow of RogerEbert.com rated the film 2 out of 4 stars. She criticized the performative nature of the climbs and described the protagonists as "completely self-centered," emphasizing that their passion for rooftopping may come off as reckless rather than inspiring. Despite the criticism, Minow acknowledged the film’s ability to capture the dangerous beauty of rooftopping.

Themes of Love, Risk, and Fame

At its core, Skywalkers: A Love Story is about the intersection of risk and reward—both in love and in life. Angela and Vanya live on the edge, quite literally, and their relationship is steeped in the same high-stakes tension as their rooftop exploits. The documentary explores the question of whether their love is fueled by their shared adrenaline addiction or if it transcends the physical danger of their climbs. As the couple navigates fame, they must also confront the dangers of pushing themselves to the limit in a world that rewards their reckless behavior with social media admiration.

While the documentary portrays them as pioneers of a unique and risky lifestyle, it also asks viewers to consider the implications of their actions. Is their pursuit of thrills worth the personal and physical risks? Are they truly inspiring or simply chasing the fleeting high of online fame?

Where to Stream Skywalkers: A Love Story

The documentary is now available for streaming exclusively on Netflix, where audiences can experience the thrill of rooftopping from the comfort of their own homes. The film's release on Netflix makes it accessible to a global audience eager to witness the breathtaking stunts of Angela and Vanya.

Skywalkers: A Love Story is a visually stunning and emotionally complex documentary that offers viewers a glimpse into a world few dare to explore. While the film’s narrative may falter at times, particularly in how it frames its protagonists, the incredible footage and unique perspective make it a compelling watch for those interested in extreme sports, love stories, or simply beautiful cinematography. Whether viewers come for the romance or the thrill, they’re sure to leave with a newfound appreciation for the literal and figurative heights some are willing to climb in the pursuit of love and fame.

What is Skywalkers: A Love Story about?

• The documentary follows Russian couple Angela Nikolau and Vanya Beerkus as they engage in rooftopping—scaling skyscrapers and other tall structures without safety equipment. It explores their extreme lifestyle, blending thrill-seeking adventure with romance.

Who directed Skywalkers: A Love Story?

• The film was directed by Jeff Zimbalist, with co-direction by Maria Bukhonina.

Who are the main figures in the documentary?

• The documentary centers around Angela Nikolau and Vanya Beerkus, both prominent figures in the rooftopping world.

What is rooftopping?

• Rooftopping is an urban exploration activity where individuals scale tall structures, such as skyscrapers and cranes, often without safety gear, to capture breathtaking views and photos from the top.

Where did Skywalkers: A Love Story premiere?

• The documentary premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

Where can I watch Skywalkers: A Love Story?

• The film is available for streaming on Netflix as of July 19, 2024.

How has the documentary been received by critics?

• On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 74% rating, and Metacritic scores it at 64 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews.

What makes the documentary unique?

• Skywalkers: A Love Story stands out for its blend of romance and high-stakes thrill-seeking, offering a glimpse into the couple’s relationship while capturing breathtaking rooftop stunts.

What is the critical consensus on the film?

• The film has been praised for its gripping visual style and dizzying heights but has also been critiqued for being somewhat self-promotional, particularly in relation to the couple’s NFTs.

Is the documentary more about the romance or the stunts?

• The documentary balances both aspects, giving equal attention to the couple’s personal relationship and their extreme adventures in rooftopping.