“Society of the Snow” (La Sociedad de Nueve) is a Spanish survival drama directed by filmmaker J.A. Bayona, known for his previous works such as “The Impossible” (2012), “A Monster Calls” (2016), and the blockbuster “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (2018). The script is adapted from the book of the same title by Pablo Vierci, which depicts the struggles of survivors of a plane crash in the Andes mountains. The film stars several young actors, including Enzo Vogrincic, Matías Recalt, Agustín Pardella, Felipe González Otaño, along with dozens of other local talents. “Society of the Snow” garnered praise at numerous prestigious film festivals worldwide and received an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature Film as well as for makeup and hair categories after its release on Netflix last month.
In 1972, a group of rugby players from Uruguay embarked on a game trip to Santiago, Chile, on chartered plane number 571. However, they encountered severe weather conditions that led to a serious accident, causing the plane’s tail to split and victims to fall, though most survived. The crash landed them in a harsh, inhospitable location in the Andes mountains, where they had to endure extreme weather conditions and limited food supplies while awaiting rescue, which never arrived.
Survival-themed films revolving around plane crashes have been produced before, with notable examples including “Cast Away,” “The Grey,” “Arctic,” and “The Mountain Between Us.” The story depicted in “Society of the Snow” was previously portrayed in the film “Alive” (1993), directed by Frank Marshall, as well as in several documentaries. What sets “Society of the Snow” apart is its emphasis on the process of survival and the struggle for life, rather than solely focusing on the eventual outcome. The film portrays a level of realism that resonates deeply with viewers, aided by the impressive performances of the mostly local cast.
The film’s mountainous setting and airplane interior were predominantly created using studio sets, as filming on location might have been impractical. However, the visual effects are executed in a manner that lends authenticity to the scenes, particularly during the harrowing moment of the accident. Bayona’s experience with CGI, demonstrated in his previous works, contributes to the film’s convincing portrayal of the events.
Another noteworthy technical aspect is the makeup, which effectively depicts the passage of time on the characters’ faces. However, some minor inconsistencies, such as characters appearing clean-shaven despite the dire circumstances, may detract from the immersion. Nonetheless, this does not significantly diminish the overall impact of the film.
“Society of the Snow” presents a realistic portrayal of survival through its setting, cast, and Bayona’s directorial prowess. The film immerses viewers in the characters’ challenging circumstances, raising moral dilemmas such as the issue of cannibalism in extreme situations. Despite its discomforting subject matter, the film ultimately highlights the remarkable physical and mental endurance of humanity.