As I ate dark chocolate while watching Society of the Snow, a new Spanish film on Netflix, I was reminded of how grateful I should be for just existing in a safe environment and being able to eat what I wish.

The movie is a survival drama based on a true incident, sometimes referred to as the world’s greatest survival story.

It is almost two and a half hours in length. Interestingly, Spain recently came up with another fictional survival drama called Nowhere.

Here is my review of the film.

Society of the Snow Synopsis

Based on the book of the same name by Pablo Vierci, the movie fictionally recounts the horrifying experience of a team of rugby players – along with their friends and families – whose plane crashed in the Andes mountains back in 1972.

Image Credits: Netflix

It is directed by J.A. Bayona and stars Enzo Vogrincic, Agustin Pardella, Matias Recalt, Esteban Bigliardi, Diego Vegezzi, Fenando Contigiani Garcia, and others. 

What Works for Society of the Snow?

Tragedies define human existence. We have had so many unimaginable accidents over decades ranging from lethal terrorist attacks to fatal falls and accidents.

Still, the undying spirit of survival remains on top of the spectrum. The same is depicted in Society of the Snow.

A plane carrying an entire rugby team, and some of their relatives, crashes in the Andes mountains, in the middle of never-ending snow. 

A place where the ice doesn’t melt. However, the crash is just the beginning of what goes on to become a never-ending, excruciating nightmare, where it is easier to die than live.

With each passing day, new people die and their hope for returning back to home recedes further.

The Society of Snow is a story about human grit, determination, and, most importantly, hope. 

Image Credits: Netflix

It makes you empathize with the victims, think of yourself in their position, and be grateful for all the good things you have. 

By its outer covering, the film is a heartbreaking account of the collective suffering of more than a dozen people. 

It has an authentic tone, which helps it stay in the right direction. There are no over-the-top, superficial colors to make Society of the Snow extra appealing. 

This authenticity is reflected in the film’s raw execution which makes it more believable even on the screen. 

Some of the scenes are so beautifully taped that you have a hard time swallowing the tragedy inflicted upon the victims. 

Among the many heart-touching technical moments, I particularly loved the one where a character rubs a cigarette against the wall and then the scene transits to the shot of the sun appearing from behind the clouds. 

Image Credits: Netflix

The visible thoughtfulness there was mesmerizing, to say the least. 

Furthermore, when you see the gut-wrenching visuals of humans eating the raw flesh of their friends, and then those alive giving permission for their bodies to be fed upon, goosebumps become a normal aspect. 

After a while, Society of the Snow gets into your skin, and its pace, the screenplay, the background music, and other features become naturally enthralling.

The involvement becomes deep and you don’t care if some of the technicalities are off. You are just happy that someone told a real-life story the world needed to see.

How are the Performances?

Society of the Snow is one of those rare movies where it is impossible to pick and choose performances. 

Even someone with a one-minute role lands a massive impact on your heart. No single individual is given the baton to lead the proceedings. 

All actors have a shared responsibility to depict the insufferable survival instincts of human beings.

Image Credits: Netflix

Therefore, I won’t be taking names in this section of my Society of the Snow review.

Everyone has done a splendid job with their expressions, demeanor, and screen handling.

What Doesn’t Work for Society of the Snow?

The screenplay is arousing, the cinematography is perfect, and the editing department has done a fine job. When the story itself is so strong, there is very little that can go off.

For Society of the Snow, that ‘little,’ thankfully, never arrives.

Stream or Skip?

It is a must-watch film that you should not miss at any cost.

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