The peak of Meru in the Indian Himalayas is 21,850 feet above sea level. To scale it is the objective of a team of climbers: Conrad Anker, the troupe’s enigmatic leader and a climbing legend; Jimmy Chin, the film’s co-director and heart of the expedition; and Renan Ozturk, the gifted and soulful newcomer. Beginning with the trio’s 2008 attempt to ascend the peak via the unconquered and perilous Shark Fin’s route, the film skillfully weaves together multiple stories, intercutting past and present with personal histories and recollections of friends and family, accompanied by commentary from renowned chronicler of the sport and its sacrifices, Jon Krakauer. True to the mission and each other, the team faces challenge after unbelievable challenge, both on and off the mountain, with tragedy seeming more likely than triumph every treacherous step of the way. Expertly photographed, with breathtaking sights and suspense, MERU is an adventure story like no other, a cinematic study in perseverance of mind, body, and spirit.  TM