How a survival story without an antagonist captured the world's attention
In short: J. A. Bayona’s Society of the Snow recounts the 1972 Andes flight disaster, yet it defies traditional cinematic tropes. By focusing on collective humanity rather than a singular hero or villain, the film offers a fresh, spiritual perspective on a well-known tragedy, resonating with millions of viewers globally.
On 13 October 1972, Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crashed into an Andes glacier, stranding 45 passengers. While 29 survived the initial impact, the group faced extreme conditions, eventually resorting to cannibalism to endure. Unlike previous adaptations, such as the 1993 film Alive, Bayona’s 2023 production emphasizes the cooperative bonds and shared faith that allowed the survivors to maintain their humanity in an inaccessible environment.
The production process was as arduous as the subject matter. Director J. A. Bayona spent a decade securing funding, noting that the market often resisted high-budget, Spanish-language films. Filming spanned 138 days across locations including Sierra Nevada, Spain, and the actual crash site in the Andes. To achieve authenticity, the crew utilized three fuselage replicas, one of which was mounted on a hydraulic crane, and relied on 300 personnel to manage complex technical requirements, including prosthetic work by Academy Award winners David Martí and Montse Ribé.
The film’s impact has been significant, amassing 103 million views on Netflix by June 2024. Critics have praised its technical mastery and existential depth, though some, like Peter Bradshaw, argued it occasionally overlooks the 'post-human' mystery of the survivors' experience. Survivors Roberto Canessa and Gustavo Zerbino have lauded the film for its fresh, inspiring portrayal of their ordeal. By stripping away the traditional antagonist, the film presents a narrative of pure human alliance, challenging viewers to consider the potential for cooperation in the face of absolute catastrophe.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Society of the Snow
- Also: Wikidata — Society of the Snow · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Society of the Snow · CC0
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