‘Society Of The Snow’ Review- A Brutal And Somber Look At Survival

This film was released in 2023.

Society Of The Snow is a biopic film by director J. A. Bayona. It is based on the book La sociedad de la nieve by Pablo Vierci and has won numerous accolades. It had its premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival before a short stint in cinemas and was finally streamed on Netflix.

In 1972, Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 was transporting forty passengers and five crewmembers to Santiago, Chile. However, the flight encounters some unexpected turbulence, causing them to crash in the Andes. Numa Turcatti (Enzo Vogrincic) tries to keep the group together, but as days turn into weeks, the survivors begin to take desperate action to stay alive in the unforgiving snow that covers the mountains.

Few are bigger detractors of European cinema than I. You can go back to read previous reviews I have done of films from that part of the world, but there are always exceptions. This brutal movie that takes a somber look at survival is one of them.

With this movie, you get a sobering look at the human spirit. The desire to survive, the holding onto faith, and brotherhood are all on display. You are pulled into this tale and you do not look away as the plot moves forward.

I have to give props to all of the actors. They were fantastic! You feel their emotions and growing isolation as they desperately search for a way to live in a region that is geared to kill them. As they navigate attempts to contact the outside world and struggle with ethics, you cannot help but hope for them, even knowing how this very true story ends.

Props to Bayona, he did not sensationalize the more gruesome events that took place. He did a good job of approaching it with sensitivity, showing how the survivors resisted the urge, only to cave when they found themselves starving to death. He did this with the whole story, approaching it with reverence and respect. It is a harrowing story, and he had me cheering for the survivors by the end.

Pedro Luque should win big for his work on the cinematography. When the survivors are buried by an avalanche, you feel claustrophobic. When some begin a trek to find rescue, you see the vastness of the Andes, making their task seem impossible. It worked perfectly.

Bottom line, Society Of The Snow is a brutal movie to watch, but one you cannot turn away from. You see the horrifying events and the human spirit surviving to the end.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Minor foul language, Disturbing scenes involving cannibalism, Brief graphic nudity

FAVORITE QUOTE: Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Check out the trailer below:

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, novel, movie, or anime you would like me to review.