The Summit focuses on the 2008 K2 disaster in which eleven climbers died during a short time span. The film combines documentary footage, including interviews with survivors and families of the victims, with dramatized recreations of the events. The movie explores the reasons behind the tragedy and the different perspectives of the climbers involved.
One of the main themes of the documentary is the rivalry between the different climbing teams. The film suggests that this competition may have contributed to the disaster as some of the climbers were more concerned with making it to the summit than with the safety of the entire group.
The Summit also highlights the heroic actions of some of the climbers who risked their own lives to save others. For instance, Irishman Ger McDonnell climbed back up the mountain to help a stranded climber but was never seen again.
The documentary raises questions about the role of commercialization in mountaineering and the pressures that climbers face to succeed at all costs. It also highlights the dangers of climbing in extreme conditions and the importance of team dynamics and communication in such situations.
Overall, The Summit offers a thought-provoking, emotional and informative look at one of the most tragic mountaineering disasters in history.