Watch: Climbers Risk Everything in Adrenaline-Pumping ‘Meru’ Trailer

Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi’s documentary “Meru” shocked Sundance audiences with its first-person account of three mountain climbers who set out to conquer the most treacherous and dangerous mountain peak in the world. Aptly named the “Shark’s Fin,” the peak of Mount Meru has served as an obsession and unattainable goal for renowned alpinists Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin and Renan Ozturk.

After their failed attempt to reach the top of Meru in 2008, the three climbers returned to their respective homes, defeated and still tempted to return to the Shark’s Fin. In 2011, Anker convinced his two fellow climbers to attempt the deathly journey once more. “Meru” thus serves as the culmination and documentation of their death-defying and extraordinary second attempt. 

The documentary opens on August 14 in New York City and Los Angeles, with a national expansion to follow. 

READ MORE: Exclusive Poster for Climbing Documentary ‘Meru’ Will Make Your Palms Sweat