Counter Culture

Society of the Snow is a 2023 Netflix original movie directed by JA Bayona, depicting the gripping true story of the 1972 Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 crash in the Andes mountains. The film chronicles the astonishing tale of a group of young rugby players who found themselves stranded in the mountains for 72 days after the tragic plane crash. Portrayed as a visual spectacle with a conscience, the movie has garnered acclaim for its sensitive direction and immersive presentation.

While the film has elicited mixed reviews from critics, it has been lauded for its powerful storytelling and emotional depth by some. Others, however, have criticized its lack of historical accuracy and reductive narration.

Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian hails the film as a “powerful retelling of the 1972 rugby team’s flight that crashed in the Andes and the agonising decisions passengers took in order to stay alive”. Bradshaw commends the film for its lucid storytelling and its portrayal of the survivors’ anguish and unwavering resilience. He also observes that the film focuses on the human spirit and challenging conditions while toning down explicit repulsion.

In a similar vein, Robbie Collin of The Telegraph describes the film as “wrenching, deeply harrowing, but crucially dispenses with sappy takeaways about the triumph of the human spirit”. Collin praises the film for its immersive presentation, attention to technical details, and emotional profundity, noting that it confronts the brutal reality of the situation without hesitation.

Despite the divergence in critical opinions, the performances in Society of the Snow have been widely commended. The film boasts a talented cast including actors like Colin Farrell, Tom Holland, and Anya Taylor-Joy, whose compelling portrayals bring the harrowing story to life.

In sum, Society of the Snow stands as a powerful and emotionally resonant film, offering a compelling portrayal of the young rugby players’ survival in the Andes. While the film has sparked mixed reviews, its sensitive direction, immersive presentation, and compelling performances make it a worthy watch for enthusiasts of survival movies and true stories alike.

Reviewed by Pat Harrington

Picture Credit

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