“Society of the Snow” revisits one of the most striking and unsettling episodes in recent history: the tragic crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 in October 1972. Directed by J.A. Bayona, the film meticulously and impactfully reconstructs the harrowing ordeal faced by 16 survivors who, after the crash, were stranded for over two months in the Andes. With 29 victims lost under brutal conditions, the production draws its strength not only from the historical details but also from Bayona’s emotional and aesthetic approach. Pedro Luque’s cinematography amplifies the somber tone by blending the blue hues of faces etched with suffering with the blinding whiteness of the snow, creating a visual contrast that echoes the anguish of extreme isolation.
The script, adapted from the eponymous book by Uruguayan journalist Pablo Vierci, takes the audience on a journey that transcends factual retelling, delving into the human and ethical echoes of the tragedy. Written by Bayona, Nicolás Casariego, and Jaime Marques, the screenplay revives the horror and the fight for survival in a visceral way, giving voice to a past that seemed silenced. In “Society of the Snow,” the story gains renewed meaning, demonstrating that even decades later, the deceased still have something to say. Before plunging into the brutality of isolation, the film offers a glimpse of the lives that preceded the disaster, such as the rugby match played by the Old Christians Club, a university team from Montevideo. Team captain Roberto Canessa (Matías Recalt), with his dynamic leadership, relinquishes the role to Numa Turcatti (Enzo Vogrincic) after the crash. Numa, with his introspective and resilient nature, emerges as the group’s moral compass, even as he refuses to consume human flesh, a choice that ultimately costs him his life.
Bayona balances the weight of the narrative by softening delicate subjects like cannibalism, addressing them indirectly. Numa is transformed into a near-spiritual figure, a touchstone for the survivors grappling with their own moral dilemmas. This choice avoids graphic depiction while still provoking reflection on the limits of ethics in extreme circumstances. The rescue sequence on the 72nd day, intensified by the dynamic editing of Jaume Marti and Andrés Gil, marks the transition from visceral terror to a new form of agony: reintegration into everyday life. The survivors must confront the strangeness of returning to the real world, from warm meals to reuniting with their families, in a mix of relief and disbelief. In contrast, the memory of Numa Turcatti endures as a symbol of integrity, someone who chose to perish rather than compromise his principles, leaving a legacy of reflection on the complexity of human nature.
Film: Society of the Snow
Director: J.A. Bayona
Year: 2023
Genres: Thriller/Adventure/Drama
Rating: 8/10