Finding Michael

NZ release: 03 March 2023

Content may disturb Rated on: 03 March 2023

Finding Michael

What’s it about?

In 1999 Michael Matthews, at the age of 22, set the record of becoming the youngest British climber to summit Mount Everest. During the descent down to Camp IV (four), the weather worsened and when his guide turned around Michael was nowhere to be see.

23 years later Michael’s brother Spencer Matthews (Made in Chelsea) and his family are sent a potential blurred picture of his brothers’ body in the ice. This sparks a recovery mission led by Spencer in attempt to retrieve the body and bring Michael home.

The facts

  • Directed by Tom Beard
  • English and Nepalese languages
  • Runtime: 60 minutes

Why did it get this rating?

This film was self-rated by Disney+. You can find out more about self-rating by streaming providers here.

Content may disturb

The documentary is about locating a dead body. There is a lot of drone footage where we see camera angles that zoom in on multiple corpses (dead bodies) in an attempt to identify them. While the bodies are respectfully blurred this could still be confronting or upsetting for some viewers.

It is said that on average seven people die attempting to climb Mount Everest each year and we see the memorial for the lost climbers. We also meet the family of a guide who died the previous year leaving behind three orphaned children. Emotions are high at certain points during the documentary.

People who have gone through similar experiences might find this challenging to watch.

Further information

Recent featured decisions

22 April 2024

Violence, offensive language, drug use and sex scenes

A biopic based on the life of UK singer Amy Winehouse. It follows Amy’s musical journey and her relationships with her family and lovers as she struggles with fame and addiction.

Read more

11 April 2024

Fallout (series)

Season 1: Episodes 1-8

Graphic violence, cruelty, sex scenes, suicide, suicide themes, drug use, violence, content that may disturb, offensive language, nudity, sexual themes

Set in a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles brought about by nuclear decimation, a young woman leaves the safety of her vault and embarks on a journey into a dangerously unforgiving wasteland full of radiation, mutants, and bandits.

Read more