In a world filled with captivating stories, there are some tales that truly leave an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. One such story is that of the Uruguayan Air Force plane disaster, immortalized in the film 'Society of the Snow,' released on Netflix as 'La Sociedad de la Nieve.' Directed by J.A. Bayona, this film takes us on an extraordinary journey of survival and resilience, reminding us of the lengths humans can go to endure against all odds.
Based on Pablo Vierci's book of the same name, 'Society of the Snow' recounts the harrowing experience of the Old Christians rugby team and their companions, who were en route to Chile for a match when tragedy struck. Their plane crashed in the treacherous Andes mountains, leaving them stranded in an icy wasteland where they faced unimaginable hardships like snowstorms, avalanches, and starvation.
While the story of the Andes survivors has been told before in various forms, Bayona's film stands out for its raw and unfiltered portrayal. It captures the essence of the survivors' emotions, delving deep into their psyche and taking the audience on a visceral journey. As the survivors watched the film, they couldn't help but feel that they were once again engulfed in the boiling waters of their past, reliving the 70 days of their ordeal through a cinematic lens.
For Gustavo Zerbino, one of the survivors, watching 'Society of the Snow' served as both a cathartic and transformative experience. He praised Bayona's vision and storytelling, even though it stirred up the anxieties and emotions he had felt during those fateful days. However, in a stroke of luck, the film's duration was limited to 2 1/2 hours, allowing Zerbino and others to finally find closure and move forward.
It is worth mentioning that this tragic event has been recounted multiple times in various forms of media, from documentaries to plays, novels to films. However, as Zerbino reflects on past projects, he recognizes that something essential was always missing. That missing puzzle piece has finally been found in Vierci's book and Bayona's film. 'Society of the Snow' is the culmination of their determination to honor the survivors and victims while staying true to their Uruguayan culture.
Bayona, known for directing high-profile films like 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom,' approached this project with a profound sense of responsibility. He wanted to go beyond mere dramatization and offer a reflection, an exploration of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Through Vierci's book, he gained a deep understanding of the characters and their struggles, allowing him to crystallize their stories on the big screen.
One remarkable aspect of Bayona's film is his commitment to bridging the gap between the living and the dead. The movie pays homage to those who perished in the crash, seamlessly incorporating their presence throughout the narrative. This delicate and touching tribute was received with awe and appreciation from Zerbino and his fellow survivors. As they reviewed the drafts of the film, they sensed the raw power and authenticity that Bayona had captured, a testament to his genuine genius.
'Telling it from the point of view of the dead' was always a desire of Vierci, a sentiment that Bayona fully embraced. By showcasing the humanity and compassion that prevailed within the group of 45 individuals, the film serves as a window into their collective strength and resilience. It showcases their ability to endure monumental adversities and build a society where empathy and mercy reigned supreme.
Bayona's approach to storytelling goes beyond mere sensationalism or glamorization of the horrors endured by the survivors. Instead, he immerses himself in the culture of Uruguay and the era in which the events took place. By incorporating Candombe Uruguayan music and infusing moments of tension with Turcatti's (played by Enzo Vogrincic) favorite song, he captures the essence of the people, their traditions, and the spirit that kept them going.
The commitment to authenticity was further emphasized by Bayona's casting decisions. Carlitos Páez, one of the survivors, turned 19 during the ordeal and portrayed his own father in the film—a decision made to bring the story as close to reality as possible. The entire cast underwent a medically supervised weight-loss program to accurately portray the physical toll of their desperate situation. They also endured freezing conditions while shooting the avalanche scenes, demonstrating their dedication to the project.
The impact of 'Society of the Snow' is not limited to its narrative or cinematic achievements. It has become a vehicle for healing for the victims' families and survivors who, for the first time, engaged with retellings of the story through this film. Sensing the commitment of the filmmakers to preserving their loved ones' legacy, they reconciled with the tragic events and found solace in seeing it portrayed on screen.
As the film credits rolled and the lights came back on, survivors, family members, and audience members alike rose to their feet, showering the film with a standing ovation. In that moment, it was evident that Bayona had succeeded in his pursuit of telling a story that transcends borders—a story that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and our shared humanity.
The Academy Awards have now shortlisted 'Society of the Snow' for the Best International Feature Film category in 2024, further cementing its impact and recognition among the film industry's top honors. Its nomination is not merely a testament to the technical and artistic achievements of the film but also a validation of the survivors' mission to bear witness and carry forward the legacies of their fallen friends.
For Uruguayan actor Enzo Vogrincic, being a part of 'Society of the Snow' was not just an opportunity to showcase his talent, but a chance to be a part of something greater. As he dove deeper into the story, he realized that this story is not just about a group of Uruguayan survivors; it goes beyond borders and speaks to the essence of humanity itself.
Indeed, 'Society of the Snow' is a tale that captures the strength of the human spirit, the power of friendship, and the will to survive against insurmountable odds. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, in our darkest moments, the greatest triumphs are born. Through Bayona's masterful direction, Vierci's powerful narrative, and the unwavering commitment of the cast and crew, this film stands as a tribute to those who endured and an inspiration for us all.
