Spanish director J.A. Bayona brings a realistic and unsensationalized retelling of the tragedy of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 in Society of the Snow. Based on the survivors’ journey from the Andes Mountains in 1972, this movie distinguishes itself through a largely Uruguayan cast and a refusal to sensationalize the characters’ desperate struggle for survival. With a focus on the resilience and vulnerability of youth, Society of the Snow offers a moving and technically accomplished portrayal of this legendary survival tale.
The film begins with a glimpse into the lives of the young rugby players in Montevideo and then moves to the horrifying plane crash that turns the survivors’ lives upside down. The stark portrayal of the crash and the desolation it brings sets the stage for the distressing journey ahead, stripping away the comforts of civilization as they struggle to survive.
Michael Giacchino’s score emphasizes the delicate balance between hope and despair, creating a haunting backdrop for the passengers’ ordeal in the Andes. The film effectively captures the overwhelming sense of isolation and desperation through the music that echoes across the peaks of the mountains.
Society of the Snow avoids gratuitous shock as it portrays the survivors’ turn to cannibalism without sensationalizing the events. The script is enriched by direct accounts of the tragedy, providing detailed insight into the survivors’ experiences and the agonizing decisions they had to make. The film masterfully balances natural challenges and personal stories, showcasing the unyielding spirit of those fighting for their lives in the harsh conditions.
While the film occasionally struggles with juggling individual storylines, it remains a powerful and compelling portrayal of a modern myth, offering an intimate look at the human struggle for survival against all odds.