Remarkable Survival Story Comes to Life in Netflix Movie 'Society of the Snow'
ICARO Media Group
In a thrilling new release on Netflix, the movie 'Society of the Snow' captivates audiences with the incredible true story of how the members and supporters of a Uruguayan rugby team defied the odds and survived for months in the treacherous Andes Mountains following a devastating plane crash. Based on the book of the same name by Uruguayan journalist Pablo Vierci, the film sheds light on the harrowing ordeal faced by the survivors and their unwavering determination to stay alive.
The fateful journey began on October 12, 1972, when Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 departed from Montevideo, Uruguay. On board were 40 passengers, consisting of members of the Old Christians Club amateur rugby team, their friends, and family, who were en route to Santiago, Chile, for an exhibition match. Tragically, their flight took a turn for the worst as the plane crashed into the snowy Andes terrain, shattering the aircraft.
Survivor Dr. Roberto Canessa, who co-wrote a book about the incident called 'I Had to Survive: How a Plane Crash in the Andes Inspired My Calling to Save Lives', vividly recounted the horrifying moments of impact, describing how they were "tossed around as if in a hurricane" and bracing themselves for the final blow. Sadly, 12 individuals lost their lives immediately, with five more succumbing to their injuries that first night, and another fatality occurring a week later, leaving 27 survivors clinging to hope.
As the survivors grappled with their dire circumstances, they ingeniously transformed the fuselage into a makeshift shelter, constructing a protective barrier from suitcases to shield themselves from the elements. However, their limited provisions quickly dwindled, leading them to make the unthinkable decision to consume meat from the deceased passengers. Canessa's gripping account reveals the desperate lengths they went to in order to stave off hunger.
Their situation deteriorated further when news reached them that the search operation had been called off, and they were all presumed dead. Tragedy struck once again when avalanches buried the fuselage, claiming the lives of eight more individuals and trapping the remaining survivors for three agonizing days. Emerging from beneath the snow, the courageous group resolved to venture out in search of help.
Over the following weeks, they endured arduous training, waiting for the weather to improve, and fashioning essential equipment from available resources. On the 61st day, Canessa and two others embarked on a treacherous journey to scale the mountains and find civilization, leaving behind 13 fellow passengers at the fuselage.
Their grueling odyssey showcases the resilience and indomitable spirit of the survivors as they confront unimaginable challenges high in the Andean peaks. The movie 'Society of the Snow' offers an emotional and thought-provoking portrayal of this extraordinary account, reminding audiences of the strength of the human spirit and the will to endure against all odds.
With the release of this gripping adaptation, audiences are given a glimpse into the remarkable true story that has captivated the world for decades. Through their collective bravery, these survivors serve as a timeless inspiration for the resilience of the human spirit, demonstrating the unyielding power of the human will to survive.