Andes Mountain Plane Crash In Netflix’s Society of the Snow

The gripping tale of the 1972 Uruguayan plane crash in the Andes Mountains, where 16 out of 45 passengers miraculously survived, has long been etched in the annals of survival history. This 72-day ordeal in the desolate, icy wilderness of western Argentina, characterized by incredibly harsh conditions, has been the inspiration for numerous films and documentaries, including the renowned 1993 Hollywood film “Alive” featuring Ethan Hawke.

The recent Netflix offering, “Society of the Snow,” revisits this chilling survival story, recounting the extraordinary endurance of the survivors, who were members of the Montevideo-based Old Christians rugby union team. Although the narrative may not hold many surprises for those familiar with the story, filmmaker J. A. Bayona (“The Impossible”) breathes new life into it. He adapts the Pablo Vierci book of the same name into a riveting survival saga, featuring a stellar cast of mostly new actors, and securing an Oscar nomination for best international feature film along the way.

“Society of the Snow” transports you directly to the crash site, situated over two miles above sea level, nestled amidst towering mountain peaks in an area known as the “Valley of Tears.” The isolation is palpable, emphasized by high angles and expansive wide shots. The chilling wind howls and cuts through the skin, the deep, compacted snow crunches underfoot, and the relentless shivering in the subzero temperatures is almost tangible. Bayona ensures that the audience feels the full force of the brutal conditions.

Even potential beacons of hope morph into harbingers of despair. A barely functioning radio delivers the devastating news to the survivors that the search for them has been abandoned. The situation is dire enough without the infamous aspect of this story: the rapid onset of starvation, the ensuing desperation, and the resort to cannibalism as the sole means of survival.

Bayona’s film commendably refrains from glossing over these grim realities. It sidesteps the usual pitfalls, avoiding sentimentality or false optimism. It doesn’t veer towards the supernatural, as some other films and TV shows in this genre, such as “Yellowjackets,” have done. It also steers clear of sensationalizing even the most shocking elements of the story.

Instead, “Society of the Snow” offers a gritty, unfiltered portrayal of the horrors endured by the survivors. It balances the physical hardships with the psychological and spiritual struggles as the survivors endure the seemingly endless freezing days and nights.

Despite the vastness of its setting, the film exudes an intense sense of claustrophobia. It is a movie about the slow, agonizing march towards death, captured in intimate close-ups. When an avalanche engulfs the survivors in the plane, the ensuing sequence is both a cinematic triumph and a heart-wrenching depiction of the terrifying reality of being trapped.

“Society of the Snow” is a testament to raw, masterful filmmaking. The environment is so vividly portrayed that it becomes a character in its own right, sometimes overshadowing the human characters. Yet, the depiction of courage and mutual sacrifice in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds leaves a lasting impression.

In conclusion, “Society of the Snow” is a challenging film to watch, but its strength lies in its honest portrayal of a horrifying ordeal.

Our Thoughts

“Society of the Snow” is a powerful and unflinching exploration of human survival under the most brutal conditions. It’s a film that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the 1972 Uruguayan plane crash, including the desperate measures the survivors had to take to stay alive.

The immersive and intense depiction of the Andes Mountains’ harsh environment is a testament to Bayona’s masterful direction. The audience is made to feel the cold, the isolation, and the despair, making for a deeply affecting viewing experience.

What stands out in this film is its refusal to sensationalize or romanticize the experience. It remains grounded in reality, focusing on the physical, psychological, and spiritual struggles of the survivors. This approach gives the film a raw authenticity that makes it all the more compelling.

Finally, “Society of the Snow” serves as a reminder of the human spirit’s resilience and the lengths to which people will go to survive. It’s a harrowing, but ultimately inspiring, testament to human endurance.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source