Marc-André Leclerc climbs alone, far from the limelight. On remote alpine faces, the free-spirited 23-year-old Canadian makes some of the boldest solo ascents in history. Yet, he draws scant attention. Leclerc’s approach is the essence of solo adventure with no cameras, rope, and margin for error. Nomadic and publicity-shy, he doesn’t own a phone or car and is reluctant to let a film crew in on his pure vision of climbing. 

In steps, filmmaker Peter Mortimer sets out to make The Alpinist about Leclerc but struggles to keep up with his elusive subject. Then, Leclerc embarks on a historical adventure in Patagonia that will redefine what is possible in solo climbing.