The Last First: Winter K2

In 2021, Icelandic mountaineer John Snorri Sigurjónsson set out to climb the world’s second-tallest mountain during the winter. He leaves with Pakistani father-and-son team Ali and Sajid Sadpara to make the treacherous ascent, with the goal of becoming the first people to do so. While the trio begin their trip alone, news of their attempt to conquer “the last first” sparks a race amongst other climbers from around the world, each wanting to get their names in the history books. Alongside extremely dangerous conditions, the groups must also contend with rising egos and inexperienced climbers who are part of a commercial expedition. It’s a perfect storm for disaster, which filmmaker Amir Bar-Lev captures in spectacular documentary The Last First: Winter K2.

An avalanche roaring in the background while John and his companions sit at base camp foreshadows what’s to come. Every climber interviewed stresses how perilous this mountain is. There are massive icy verticals and freezing winds strong enough to blow entire campsites off the edge. The groups’ best bet is to tackle the ascent together. However, the first major setback comes when the Nepalese team, spurred by national pride, summit on their own. This decision causes a series of events that spiral into tragedy. Rather than the sweeping, vertigo-inducing shots of Free Solo or Fall, Bar-Lev uses footage captured by the climbers to place viewers in overcrowded tents with them and experience the aftermath of harrowing accidents. The result is something that feels authentic and raw.

The documentary is far more than a retelling of what happened on the expedition. It’s a cautionary tale of adventure tourism that functions as a damning critique aimed squarely at the companies that allow inexperienced climbers to risk their lives for profit. It’s also a profoundly human story about the people on the mountain. It probes their complicated motives for being there and underscores the impact of loss.

The Last First is unlike most mountaineering films. It focuses less on the sheer spectacle and provides a grounded and multilayered exploration of those who were there alongside the events that led to the loss of five lives.

Andrew Murray

The Last First: Winter K2 is released on Apple TV+ on 2^nd October 2026.

Watch the trailer for The Last First: Winter K2 here: