Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu — Tribeca Review
Source: Tribeca
Michael LaHale’s documentary Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu delivers on the promise of its straightforward title. The film follows actors and comedians Bob Odenkirk and David Cross as they embark on a quest to climb the iconic site of Machu Picchu. This documentary will especially appeal to fans of Mr. Show with Bob and David, but the duo’s comedic chemistry and enduring friendship prove rewarding even for viewers unfamiliar with their earlier work together.
Rather than focusing solely on the destination, the documentary is most interested in the dynamic between its two subjects, using the physical challenge of the climb as a backdrop for their comedic rapport. It plays almost like a documentary version of Michael Winterbottom’s The Trip (2010), with its conversational, improvisational style of humor and an emphasis on personality over plot. Much of the comedy emerges from the way Odenkirk and Cross slip between performance and sincerity, turning small frustrations and shared exhaustion into running jokes. Their exchanges often feel loose and unstructured, enhancing the sense of authenticity, as though the humor is emerging naturally from the situation rather than being imposed on it. Simultaneously, the film features moments that are unexpectedly heartfelt and vulnerable. LaHale occasionally gestures toward themes of aging and mortality, particularly in light of Odenkirk’s recent heart attack prior to the trip, which adds an undercurrent of reflection to what is otherwise a light and comedic journey.
Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu functions less as a traditional travel documentary and more as an intimate portrait of a long-standing friendship between two collaborators as they undertake a bucket-list experience together. It also offers brief glimpses into the origins of their relationship, tracing back to when they first met on the set of The Ben Stiller Show, subtly underscoring the longevity and resilience of their creative partnership. Footage from their early careers is occasionally juxtaposed with the present day, reinforcing how their comedic dynamic has evolved while remaining fundamentally intact, now existing alongside their lives as husbands and fathers. This contrast between past and present adds texture to the film, highlighting how time has shaped their work without diminishing the ease of their interactions.
The film’s structure is loose and observational, lending it a laid-back, easygoing rhythm. Its simple, unobtrusive camerawork underscores the spontaneous spirit of the journey, rarely calling attention to itself or imposing a rigid formal framework. Instead, the understated visual style keeps the focus firmly on the natural dynamic between Odenkirk and Cross, allowing their chemistry to carry the film without reliance on traditional narrative construction or heightened cinematic intervention. Even its pacing feels deliberately unforced, as moments are allowed to linger just long enough for humor or reflection to develop organically.
Ultimately, Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu offers a candid look at the duo’s friendship, where recurring running gags and moments of sincerity blend into a portrait of two collaborators whose comfort with one another defines the entire experience. The film’s greatest appeal lies in its sense of ease. It never overstates its premise or forces dramatic weight onto the journey. Instead, it invites the audience to spend time with two longtime friends in motion, creating the impression that we are, quite literally, simply along for the ride. Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu is a documentary, a road movie, and, above all, a celebration of enduring friendship.
Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu premiered at Tribeca on June 6, 2026.
