'Society of Snow': Frozen Bodies, Burning Souls

OSCARS 2024

"The Society of Snow" under the masterful direction of J.A. Bayona, stands as an epic unfolding in the ruthless clutches of destiny, a fate forged in the icy depths of the Andes. This real-life-based tale of the fateful Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 not only impresses with its visually striking depiction of the air crash but also with Bayona's audacity to transform a tragic narrative into a cinematic work of art.

Bayona's skill in handling the narrative elevates "The Society of Snow" above the conventions of commercial cinema, endowing it with the depth and resonance of an auteur piece. The Spanish director manages to blend pure adrenaline with a metaphorical reflection on human fragility and the desperate struggle for survival in the most extreme conditions.

Too young to face the cruel fate nature has in store for them, the protagonists embody the vulnerability of youth against the relentless indifference of the mountain. The film unfolds a harrowing journey where death becomes a name, a face, a tangible loss faced with courage and desperation.

While the narrative structure may tread familiar waters, the story is inherently so heart-wrenching that familiarity feels foreign. I'm not sure I've seen a more effective disaster film before, both in its portrayal of the tragedy itself and its ability to evoke such a powerful emotional response—something J.A. Bayona has always demonstrated incredible skill in, but this might be his best work to date.

There's much to commend about the human element, but I love Bayona's choice to consistently use extreme close-ups. They allow us to truly process the hell these men endured without explanatory dialogue: layers of dirt accumulated on their faces, swollen eyes, the sound of chewing, every cut and bruise. This is followed by magnificent (and terrifying) wide shots of the solitary plane in the snow or shots of the imposing Andes enveloping the men seeking mercy. The juxtaposition of these shots, along with powerful performances and a moving score by Giacchino, make "The Society of Snow" one of the most captivating films of the year.

Netflix adds this tremendous success to its catalog, sure to triumph internationally.

Bayona, thank you for telling this story.

@lovacaine