Russian climbers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, who made headlines this week for scaling the Empire State Building and proposing atop its broadcast mast, are the subjects of the Netflix documentary 'Skywalkers: A Love Story'. The film, which premiered in 2024, has garnered a 94% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes, with viewers calling it a 'true adrenaline rush'.
Couple's Daring Ascent and Arrest
The pair ascended the 443-metre (1,454-foot) mast while wearing face coverings, unfurling a banner that read: 'When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.' They were arrested shortly after the stunt. This is not their first public exploit; their climbing career was already documented in the Netflix film.
Documentary Synopsis and Reception
The documentary's synopsis describes the couple as 'Russia's preeminent rooftoppers' who risk everything to scale the world's tallest buildings, creating a dangerous artform called 'skywalking'. One viewer said: 'I've never watched a documentary that was catching me so much. I was thrilled watching it. Really, my knees got weak.' Another added: 'This film is a riveting, heartstopping and beautiful journey of the two stars.'
Personal Stories and Emotional Impact
Audiences have praised the film for its deep dive into the climbers' fears and desires. One reviewer noted: 'We cried together as we realised how Angela overcame her childhood traumas and how Ivan cared so much for her.' The documentary has been compared to 'Mission Impossible' for its authenticity and emotional depth.