There’s an unspoken code among mountaineers that you don’t go out of your way to help a struggling climber. In an environment as unforgiving as the side of a mountain, heroics don’t often lead to happy endings.
So why did one of the best alpine climbers in the world break that code and try to save three of his fallen comrades on one of the most dangerous mountains in the world?
Nick Ryan’s documentary The Summit explores that question; explores it, but never answers it. Gerard McDonnel died thanks to his apparent heroics, on an expedition that also claimed 10 other climbers’ lives, and aspects of the story remain a mystery.
The film tells the story of the deadliest ever expedition to K2, better known as Savage Mountain. It’s the second highest peak in the world, and is easily one of the most dangerous. One out of every four people who attempt the climb end up dead.
Combining footage shot by the surviving expedition members with interviews and gripping re-enactments, The Summit pieces together the harrowing two-day disaster and attempts to unravel the mystery surrounding McDonnel’s death.
Winner of the editing award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013, The Summit bolsters its narrative story with all the stunning footage you would expect of a mountain climbing documentary.
The Film Club will screen the flick at the Chaba Theatre Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
 Trevor Nichols
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