Rise Of The Sufferfests

2016 • 94 minutes

About this movie

Rise of the Sufferfests is the first documentary about Tough Mudder, Spartan Race and the global obstacle course phenomenon. The film asks why millions of people are suddenly paying to suffer through ice, fire, electricity, barbed wire, mud and more… and what it says about the world we’re living in. It features a colorful cast of characters from the cultish “OCR” community, as well as sharp—and often funny—social commentary from thought leaders like Morgan Spurlock, Tim Ferriss, A.J. Jacobs and Hanna Rosin. It also follows the misadventures of journalist-turned-filmmaker Scott Keneally, a self-proclaimed “beta male” who wanders deep into the crucible, tackling some of the world’s most brutal sufferfests. Far from just a movie about mud, it’s a smart, entertaining film about modern life and the journey of a “just enougher” to steel up in the face of fatherhood.

Ratings and reviews

"Well are all looking for something in the mud." That is the absolute truth, and this film does a wonderful job exploring that theme. It is not just about lifting things, cold water, and blood however. There is a vulnerability in the film maker as he explores not only our insane little world of OCR but as he tries to make the film itself. This is as much about our need to overcome difficulties in life as it is about crossing the finish line, and it is entering and humbling how intimate this film can get sometimes. If you enjoy both humanity and self imposed suffering, buy this movie!

This film has it all... comedy, drama, insight, love, inspiration, heart, and MUD. I have always been a fan of OCR, Then I did a Tough Mudder and was hooked, much like Scott. So much after watching RISE of the SUFFERFESTS, I intend to travel and take on the last ever TOUGH GUY race. Learning more about Mr. MOUSE made me want to challenge and better myself and see if his course can break me and my passion for OCR or leave me asking for more in the end much like this documentary left me craving more. This documentary from the release of the trailer inspired myself to get off the couch and into the mud, to the fact that I get to compete at the OCR World Championships this year. I grew just as the stars and athletes in RISE grew throughout the course of the film. -Justin Kakatsch

I have been doing obstacle course racing for four years, and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. It emphasizes what is great about this sport: your inner strength inspires you just as much as the people around you. The documentary utilizes a variety of resources to describe the reasons how OCR originated and why it became so popular. If you want to learn why people are obsessed with obstacle course racing, watch this documentary and realize what you're missing out on or where to get your next racing fix.