Since we am preparing for a big snowstorm in the early part of the week, I thought that it would be a good night to watch the new international film, Society of the Snow. I certainly do hope we do not have to deal with any of the struggles portrayed in this film.

According to IMDB, “In 1972, Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, which had been chartered to fly a rugby team to Chile, crashed in the heart of the Andes. Only 29 of its 45 passengers survived the accident. Trapped in one of the most hostile and inaccessible environments on the planet, they have to resort to extreme measures to stay alive.“

Director J.A. Bayona brought a visceral film that showed the determination of human nature and what people will do in order to survive. Some of the things that are shown here are difficult to view, but understandable in the situation.

The plane crash was sensationally shot. It was intense from the first shudder of the plane to the plane coming to an end in the middle of the Andes Mountains. 

As the victims began increasing, the struggles did not stop. I literally gasped at the avalanche that buried the crew. It was like… what else can these people face? 

The film does an admirable job of showing the psychological horrors that these people suffered during their time stranded in the Andes. The large cast was all given moments to shine and to show who their characters were and what made them distinct individuals. 

Society of the Snow is currently streaming on Netflix.

4.5 stars