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Hanging By a Wire review

The extraordinary fate of eight people trapped above a chasm in Pakistan makes for a tense, skilfully assembled survival story with unexpected flashes of comedy

Hanging By a Wire review

TL;DR

  • The documentary covers the 2023 incident where a cable car broke in northern Pakistan, leaving eight people stranded over a chasm.
  • It is described as a conventional example of a survival documentary, utilizing news footage and amateur clips.
  • Director Mohammed Ali Naqvi is credited for adeptly assembling the story, with editing by William Grayson enhancing suspense and comedy.
  • The film includes moments of humor, such as an interview with a boastful zip line enthusiast.
  • A notable aspect is the film's lack of focus on investigating the safety failures, instead framing the situation as bad luck.
  • The rescue effort faced challenges, including a lack of working equipment like walkie-talkies from the army.