"Society of the Snow," 2023 Review

In the ruthlessly unyielding narrative of "Society of the Snow," crafted by screenwriters J.A. Bayona, Nicolás Casariego, Jaime Marques, and Pablo Vierci, a familiar tale of survival unfolds, echoing previous renditions like Frank Marshall's "Alive." What distinguishes director Bayona's near-masterpiece is its immersive perspective, plunging the audience deep into a brutal ordeal akin to being trapped in a remote, freezing landscape. Yet, amidst the agonizing challenges, hope, kindness, and perseverance drive the protagonists through monstrous mental and physical trials, setting a standard that will be hard to surpass in survival tales.

The straightforward plot follows a group of high school rugby players who crash in the Andes. Faced with the harshest environment imaginable, the survivors confront a lack of food, blinding sun, and deadly snowstorms. Dependent solely on each other, they form the eponymous "society," grappling with frozen limbs, malnutrition, death, and ultimately, cannibalism.

A substantial portion of "Society of the Snow" delves into the psychological implications of consuming human flesh in dire circumstances. The film explores the dilemma of standing by one's morals and perishing or choosing to live at the cost of sacrificing fundamental values. Bayona and his team handle these complex choices with grace, portraying the real-life survivors' tremendous internal struggles without resorting to gratuitous scenes. The freedom of those who survived is forever marked not only by the memories of lost friends but also by the haunting texture and taste of human flesh.

The narrative thrusts the audience into the harrowing experience from the moment the 40-passenger airplane starts its descent. The resulting crash sequence stands out as one of cinema's most visceral, demanding to be experienced on the big screen. The ensuing journey is grueling as the protagonists succumb to the elements, their tribulations accentuated by Michael Giacchino's exceptional score, arguably the best of his career. A decade of meticulous research and interviews with survivors ensures accuracy, though it leads to a sense of repetition in depicting the characters' uphill struggles and heartrending farewells. Yet, this repetition serves a purpose, emphasizing the desperation of the situation and magnifying the resilience displayed.

While some scenes, like those involving a makeshift radio, may feel a tad forced, they are minor hitches in an otherwise breathlessly realistic account. The decision to cast newcomers pays off, creating an immediate connection between the audience and the characters without the distraction of star power. Bayona extracts uniformly excellent performances from the cast, with Enzo Vogrincic and Agustín Pardella standing out.

"Society of the Snow" delivers the thrills and masterful filmmaking expected in a survival drama. However, it's the film's simple yet profound message — that we are all interconnected, our lives fleeting, relying on kindness and ethics — that resonates most profoundly. In a world seemingly forgetting about humanity, this film serves as a stark reminder of our shared humanity.

FAQ

Q. What is the movie about? Society of the Snow tracks a group of Uruguayan rugby players and those close to them who survive an unspeakable plane crash in the Andes. High up in the mountains, isolated without resources and subject to brutal conditions they just have to stick together. Where physical demands are extreme; where ethical issues arise all around them including death of their dear ones- they must also cope with facing life under such difficult circumstances. Q. Who are the main characters? Numa Turcatti: A tough, resourceful young rugby player who becomes a leader among the survivors. Roberto Canessa: A medical student whose knowledge and ingenuity are key to their survival. Nando Parrado: Nando another key figure, who takes a treacherous trip across the mountains to help in the rescue. Others: Possessing a huge cast of dozens, the film is populated with an assortment of special characters each struggling and contributing to that effort.

Q. How is this version of the story different? Although prior adaptations such as Alive concentrated only on the physical aspects of this ordeal, Society of Snow explores psychological and philosophical levels. It deals with themes of faith, hope and despair in the face of tragedy. Q. Is the movie historically accurate? While the film takes creative liberty with some areas of the story, it conforms faithfully to core incidents and emotional impact felt by survivors. It incorporates some details from Pablo Vierci's book Society of the Snow, which has a different slant than earlier accounts. Q. Is this a movie suitable for all ages? Ethical dilemmas, death and suffering are all mature themes covered in "Society of the Snow". The scene of the plane crash and its aftermath is particularly intense, as are moments of grief and despair. Viewer discretion is advised. Q. Where can I see the movie? Society of the Snow can now be streamed online at Netflix. Q. Is it worth watching? The critical reaction to "Society of the Snow" has likewise been favorable, lauding its performances and direction and psychological undertones. If you're interested in stories of great human strength and survival, or the event itself; this film is a must see.

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