The Premise: A Tragic Flight and a Fight for Survival
Society of The Snow, directed by J.A. Bayona, is a Netflix film that dramatically recounts the 1972 Uruguayan air crash in the Andes Mountains. The movie is based on Pablo Vierci’s book, focusing on a rugby team whose plane crashes, leaving them stranded in harsh, freezing conditions. The story delves into the survivors’ desperate struggle to stay alive in the face of unimaginable adversity.
The Opening: Portrayal of the Rugby Team
The film opens by portraying the rugby team’s carefree spirit, setting the stage for the drastic shift in their fate. This introduction is crucial in establishing the characters’ backgrounds, making their subsequent ordeal even more impactful.
The Crash and Initial Survival
The narrative swiftly moves to the catastrophic crash, which is depicted with intense realism. The survivors, initially 33 out of 45 passengers, face extreme cold, with temperatures dropping to -35 C. The film vividly portrays their initial efforts to survive, using the plane’s wreckage for shelter and rationing their meager supplies.
The Controversial Decision: Resorting to Cannibalism
As their situation becomes increasingly dire, the survivors face a harrowing decision: resorting to cannibalism to stay alive. This aspect of the story, while disturbing, is handled with sensitivity, focusing on the emotional and moral dilemmas faced by the group.
The Emotional and Moral Dilemma
The film explores the psychological impact of this decision on the survivors. It delves into the internal conflicts and the eventual acceptance of their grim reality, highlighting the human aspect of this survival story.
Filming and Locations: Bringing Realism to the Screen
“Society of The Snow” was filmed in various locations, including Sierra Nevada in Spain, Montevideo in Uruguay, and the Andes Mountains in Argentina and Chile. These diverse locations add authenticity to the film, capturing the vastness and severity of the Andes.
Sierra Nevada, Spain: Recreating the Andes
The Sierra Nevada in Spain served as the primary location for filming the Andes Mountains. The production team went to great lengths to recreate the crash site and the harsh conditions the survivors endured.
Montevideo, Uruguay: Capturing the Origin
Scenes involving the rugby team, their families, and the initial part of the journey were shot in Montevideo, Uruguay. This helped in authentically portraying the team’s background and the onset of their tragic journey.
The Andes Mountains: Aerial Footage and Realism
The film also includes aerial footage of the Andes Mountains, captured in Argentina and Chile. This footage was seamlessly integrated into the film, enhancing the realism and immersiveness of the survivors’ ordeal.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
“Society of The Snow” has received critical acclaim for its storytelling, emotional depth, and the director’s skill in balancing the horror of the situation with the resilience of the human spirit. The film has been nominated for various awards, including Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globes.
Conclusion: A Tale of Human Resilience
“Society of The Snow” is more than just a survival story; it’s a testament to human resilience and the will to live against all odds. The film’s sensitive portrayal of the survivors’ ordeal and the ethical dilemmas they faced makes it a compelling and thought-provoking watch.
