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Deep Dive: Meru (2015)

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Meru
Meru is a documentary that chronicles the first ascent of a new climbing route up the Shark's Fin on Meru Peak in the Indian Himalayas, achieved in 2011 by climbers Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, and Renan Ozturk. The film captures both their successful ascent and their previous failed attempt in 2008, highlighting the technical skills required for alpine, big wall, and aid climbing. The climbers also document their experiences, balancing the risks of climbing with the act of filmmaking. The film features personal narratives, including Ozturk's recovery from a serious accident just five months before the successful climb and Chin's survival of a catastrophic avalanche. The emotional weight of the climbers' past losses, including mentors and partners, adds depth to their quest. The film was co-directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and received critical acclaim, winning awards such as the U.S. Audience Documentary Award at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

Why Watch

  • •See the first ascent of Shark's Fin in 2011.
  • •Meet climbers who faced near-fatal accidents.
  • •Follow the emotional stories behind the climb.

Did You Know

•The film made $2,334,228 at the box office during its run.
•Meru was shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2015.
•The film has an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 78 reviews.
•The ascent of Shark's Fin is a 4,000 foot wall in the Indian Himalayas.

Perfect For

Mountain climbing enthusiastsDocumentary film fansAdventure sports lovers