The documentary Project Possible focuses on the incredible journey of British-Nepali high-altitude climber Nirmal Purja as he embarks on a daring mission to conquer all 14 of the world's highest peaks, known as the Eight-Thousanders. This ambitious plan is divided into three phases: Phase 1 (Nepal) includes Annapurna (8091 m), Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Kanchenjunga (8586 m), Everest (8848 m), Makalu (8485 m), and Lhotse (8516 m); Phase 2 (Pakistan) encompasses Nanga Parbat (8125 m), Gasherbrum I (8080 m), Gasherbrum II (8034 m), Broad Peak (8051 m), and K2 (8611 m); and finally, Phase 3 (Nepal+Tibet) includes Manaslu (8163 m), Cho Oyu (8201 m), and Shisha Pangma (8027 m). Purja aimed to complete this monumental feat within seven months, spanning from late spring to late summer in 2019.
Purja’s climb took a total of six months and six days, commencing in April 2019 and concluding in October 2019. The film notes that the first person to scale all 14 Eight-Thousanders, Italian climber Reinhold Messner, completed this daunting task over 16 years between 1970 and 1986, and notably without the use of supplementary oxygen. By 2013, the record was reduced to just over 7 years, held by South Korean climber Kim Chang, who also opted against supplemental oxygen. For Project Possible, however, Purja decided to utilize oxygen at altitudes exceeding 7,500 m, based on critical experiences that had previously enabled him to save the lives of other climbers in distress.
In 2021, while leading an all-Nepali team for K2's first winter ascent, he managed to complete it without supplemental oxygen. The film features Messner discussing the significance of the Eight-Thousanders and Purja's aspirations. Notably, after facing a serious injury on Nanga Parbat, Purja received words of encouragement from Messner: > "He looked into my eyes and said, 'You can do it'."
Purja's background as a Gurkha who served in the UK special forces shows his resilience. Married to his wife Suchi in the UK, he began preparing for the monumental climb in 2008. His journey has not been without peril; in 2011, he narrowly escaped death from a sniper's bullet during a military operation. Despite never having climbed a mountain before 2012, he quickly fell for the immense physical and mental challenge of mountaineering. This passion led him to leave the army and risk financial stability by remortgaging his house to fund his expedition.
April 2019 marks the start of the documentary, showcasing Purja and his team—including Mingma David, Geljen, Lakpa Dendi, and Gesman—on their attempt to summit Annapurna I, statistically the most treacherous of the Eight-Thousanders. Teaming up with Canadian climber Don Bowie, who had prior unsuccessful attempts, Purja inspired Bowie to join forces for their summit on April 23. Bowie reflected, "This guy believed they were going to do it, and they pushed through." In a remarkable display of bravery, Purja returned the following day to rescue a climber in distress, a mission that ultimately cost him precious time.
Despite adverse conditions, Purja and his team successfully summited Dhaulagiri on May 12 and then quickly ascended Kanchenjunga, enduring tragic losses along the way. After experiencing a string of setbacks, he surged ahead by climbing the neighboring peaks of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu within an astounding 48-hour timeframe. His infamous photograph capturing the long line of climbers at the Hillary Step on Everest became iconic, featured prominently in the New York Times.
Flashing back, the film shares insights from Purja's family about his formative years and the sacrifices made in both his military and climbing careers. It also highlights his mother's health struggles and his near-fatal brush with death during a mission.
As the documentary progresses, Purja faces numerous challenges at K2, known for its dangers. Initially confronted with low morale among climbers and the threat of avalanches, Purja energizes his team by hosting a spirited gathering. His determination culminates in the summit of K2 on July 24, swiftly followed by Broad Peak, marking a remarkable achievement of scaling five Eight-Thousanders in just 23 days.
Afterward, Purja rushes back to Kathmandu attending to his mother, who suffered a heart attack. He then continues his adventurous endeavor, summiting Cho Oyu on September 23 and Manaslu on September 27. With relentless perseverance, he secures the necessary permits to climb Shishapangma in Tibet, ultimately achieving the last summit on October 29, 2019. Purja rejoiced in sharing the moment with his ailing mother, saying, "We did it." The documentary concludes with Purja reuniting with his mother and celebrating his monumental achievement in front of the world's media, showcasing the extraordinary essence of his Project Possible.
