In an exploration of human endurance and tragedy, two films have been made about the 1972 Andes plane crash, a catastrophic event where 16 people, including members of a Uruguayan rugby team, survived for 72 days in extreme conditions. This true story, which involves the harrowing act of cannibalism, is depicted in the 1993 film "Alive" and the more recent 2024 release, "Society of the Snow," which is now available on Netflix. Each film offers a unique perspective on this chilling event.
"Alive," which I first viewed in theaters at the age of 10, left a lasting impression on me with its graphic portrayal of the crash and the survivors' desperate measures for survival. Directed by Frank Marshall and penned by John Patrick Shanley, this film tends to be more sentimental and Hollywood-esque, featuring a cast of non-Uruguayan actors, including Ethan Hawke and Illeana Douglas, who perform in English. The film's dramatic and religiously themed dialogue seemed to cater to American audiences, but this approach somewhat diluted the authentic essence of the story.
In contrast, J.A. Bayona's "Society of the Snow" appears to strive for greater authenticity. Boasting a cast of Uruguayan and Argentinian actors and presented entirely in Spanish, Bayona, known for his work on "Jurassic World" and "The Impossible," vividly recreates the harrowing experiences of the survivors. This film plunges the viewer into a palpably cold and terrifying setting, with a more realistic portrayal of the crash and its aftermath. The film's approach is raw and unflinching, offering a more direct encounter with the brutal reality these young men faced.
"Society of the Snow" incorporates poetic elements, particularly through effective voice-over narration by Enzo Vogrincic Roldán, but it remains predominantly a stark and grueling portrayal of the events. Bayona handles the subject of cannibalism with sensitivity, avoiding any sensationalism. The film's source material, a book by Pablo Vierci who had personal connections with many of the crash victims, provides a fresher perspective compared to the Piers Paul Read book that "Alive" is based on, which was published only two years after the crash.
While "Alive" gives a more in-depth look at specific characters, particularly Nando Parrado and Roberto Canessa, who played pivotal roles in seeking rescue, "Society of the Snow" maintains a certain anonymity among its characters. This approach makes it challenging to track who survives and who doesn't. Bayona's film only emphasizes the key figures later in the narrative, portrayed by Agustín Pardella and Matías Recalt.
Nevertheless, "Society of the Snow" emerges as a more immersive and impactful film, resonating with contemporary audiences through its unvarnished depiction of the ordeal and a conclusion that combines a sense of tragic loss with a sliver of hope. The film honors the deceased by displaying their names and ages upon their on-screen deaths, most of whom were tragically young. The rescue sequence is both joyous and cathartic, akin to the emotional impact of an epic war film.
In conclusion, while no film can entirely encapsulate the full magnitude of the tragedy experienced by the crash survivors, "Society of the Snow," despite some of Bayona’s stylistic excesses, effectively conveys the essence of this horrific ordeal. It's a reminder of the resilience and spirit of those who survived, a thought that lingers especially when flying over mountains, an experience I am soon to have.
