Society of the Snow (Spanish: “La sociedad de la nieve”) is a gripping 2023 survival thriller directed by J. A. Bayona, centered around the Uruguayan 1972 Andes flight disaster. Based on Pablo Vierci’s eponymous book, the film chronicles the harrowing experiences of the 16 crash survivors, many of whom Vierci had known since childhood. The cast features predominantly Uruguayan and Argentine newcomers.
Closing the 80th Venice International Film Festival in an Out of Competition slot, the movie is set to hit Spanish theaters on December 15, 2023, with a subsequent Netflix release on January 4, 2024. Notably, it has been chosen as Spain’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards.
Movie Name | Society of the Snow |
Rating | R (Brief Graphic Nudity, Violent/Disturbing Material) |
Genre | Drama, Adventure, Biography |
Original Language | Spanish |
Director | J. A. Bayona |
Producer | Belén Atienza, Sandra Hermida |
Writer | J. A. Bayona, Nicolas Casariego, Jaime Marques Olarreaga, J. A. Bayona, Bernat Vilaplana, Jaime Marques Olarreaga, Nicolas Casariego |
Release Date (Theaters) | Dec 15, 2023 (Limited) |
Release Date (Streaming) | Jan 4, 2024 |
Runtime | 2h 24m |
Distributor | Netflix |
Society of the Snow Plot Summary
In the fateful year of 1972, Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 embarked on a chartered journey, carrying the hopeful aspirations of a rugby team en route to Chile. Little did the passengers know that their voyage would transform into a harrowing tale of survival etched in the unforgiving heart of the Andes.
As the aircraft faced unexpected challenges, tragically crashing amidst the majestic yet perilous Andean landscape, the once-joyful journey turned into a nightmare. Of the 45 passengers on board, only 29 managed to survive the initial impact, finding themselves stranded in one of the most hostile and inaccessible environments on Earth.
Isolated from civilization, the survivors grappled with the harsh realities of their surroundings — a desolate landscape of snow-covered peaks and freezing temperatures. Far from rescue, the group faced a daunting predicament that would test the limits of human endurance.
In a desperate bid to stay alive, the survivors were compelled to make unimaginable decisions. The inhospitable conditions left them with no choice but to resort to extreme measures, challenging their physical and mental resilience. As the days turned into weeks, and hope waned, the group found themselves confronting the stark realities of survival.
Amidst the chilling winds and towering mountains, the camaraderie among the survivors became a lifeline. Bonds formed in adversity, as individuals like Nando Parrado and Roberto Canessa emerged as leaders, guiding the group through the treacherous ordeal. Their journey became a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds.
The film captures the raw essence of survival, exploring the psychological toll of isolation, hunger, and the moral dilemmas thrust upon those seeking refuge in the unforgiving Andes. It paints a vivid picture of the human condition, showcasing the depths of desperation and the resilience required to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the breathtaking yet cruel Andean wilderness, with each frame capturing the stark contrast between the beauty of the landscape and the brutality of the survivors’ struggle. The cinematography immerses the audience in the vastness of the surroundings, intensifying the emotional impact of the survivors’ journey.
Society of the Snow is not merely a recounting of historical events; it is a poignant exploration of the indomitable will to survive. The film pays homage to the real-life individuals who faced adversity with courage, resourcefulness, and the unwavering determination to see another day. As their story unfolds on the silver screen, it becomes a timeless testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of nature’s most formidable challenges.
Society of the Snow Parents Guide
Why is Society of the Snow Rated R?
Society of the Snow is rated R for brief graphic nudity and violent/disturbing material.
Content Advisory:
- Graphic Nudity: The film includes brief but explicit depictions of nudity. This may not be suitable for younger audiences.
- Violent/Disturbing Material: “Society of the Snow” contains intense and disturbing scenes related to the survival challenges faced by the characters. This includes portrayals of the crash, harsh conditions, and the moral dilemmas the survivors confront.
Note to Parents:
Society of the Snow is rated R due to its mature content. It explores the harsh realities of survival and may not be suitable for all audiences, especially younger viewers. Viewer discretion is strongly advised, and parents are encouraged to consider the nature of the content before allowing their children to watch the film
The cast of Society of the Snow includes:
- Enzo Vogrincic Roldán as Numa Turcatti
- Matías Recalt as Roberto Canessa
- Agustín Pardella as Nando Parrado
- Tomas Wolf as Gustavo Zerbino
- Diego Vegezzi as Marcelo Pérez del Castillo
- Esteban Kukuriczka as Adolfo “Fito” Strauch
- Francisco Romero as Daniel Fernández Strauch
- Rafael Federman as Eduardo Strauch
- Felipe González Otaño as Carlitos Páez
- Agustín Della Corte as Antonio “Tintín” Vizintín
- Valentino Alonso as Alfredo “Pancho” Delgado
- Simón Hempe as José Luis “Coche” Inciarte
- Fernando Contigiani García as Arturo Nogueira
- Benjamín Segura as Rafael “el Vasco” Echavarren
- Rocco Posca as Ramón “Moncho” Sabella
- Luciano Chatton as Pedro Algorta
- Agustín Berruti as Bobby François
- Juan Caruso as Álvaro Mangino
- Andy Pruss as Roy Harley
- Santiago Vaca Narvaja as Daniel Maspons
- Esteban Bigliardi as Javier Methol
- Paula Baldini as Liliana Methol
- Federico Aznarez as Enrique Platero
- Alfonsina Carrocio as Susana Parrado
- Silvia Giselle Pereyra as Eugenia Parrado
- Virginia Kaufmann as Esther Nicola
- Felipe Ramusio as Diego Storm
- Blas Polidori as Gustavo Nicolich
- Emanuel Parga as Carlos Roque
- Iair Said as Julio César Ferradas
- Louta as Gastón Costemalle
- Carlos “Carlitos” Páez as his father, Carlos Páez Vilaró
Summary:
Society of the Snow is a 2023 survival thriller directed by J. A. Bayona, based on the Uruguayan 1972 Andes flight disaster. The film depicts the harrowing experiences of 16 crash survivors stranded in the Andes. Facing extreme conditions, they resort to unimaginable measures to stay alive. The narrative explores human endurance, camaraderie, and the indomitable will to survive.
Key Points:
- Plot: The Uruguayan rugby team’s 1972 flight crashes in the Andes.
- Survival: 29 out of 45 passengers survive, facing harsh Andean conditions.
- Challenges: Stranded, survivors make tough decisions for survival.
- Leadership: Nando Parrado and Roberto Canessa emerge as leaders.
- Human Spirit: Film captures resilience, psychological toll, and moral dilemmas.
- Cinematography: Highlights the stark Andean landscape’s beauty and brutality.
- Release: Premiered at Venice Film Festival, Spanish theaters on Dec 15, Netflix on Jan 4, 2024.
- Rating: R for graphic nudity and violent/disturbing material.
- Cast: Predominantly features Uruguayan and Argentine newcomers.
- Acknowledgment: Spain’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.