Society of the Snow: Unearthing the Unforgettable Andes Disaster That Gripped the World
The Andes disaster of 1972, a tale that unfolds as either a harrowing tragedy or a miraculous survival story, requires little introduction. The calamity, where a plane carrying 45 people, including an amateur rugby team from Uruguay, crashed in the desolate South American wilderness, has been the focal point of books, documentaries, and multiple films. Notably, the 1993 film "Alive," featuring Ethan Hawke, delved into this chilling narrative. Now, Spanish filmmaker JA Bayona brings this gripping saga to life once more in "Society of the Snow," a Netflix premiere that stands nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globes and serves as Spain's official Oscar entry.
Derived from Pablo Vierci's book of the same name, published in 2009, "Society of the Snow" meticulously weaves together the accounts of all 16 survivors of the crash. Many of these survivors, intimately known to Vierci from their childhoods in Montevideo, Uruguay, contribute to a story of cinematic proportions – shocking, terrifying, and awe-inspiring.
The ill-fated flight was chartered to transport the Old Christian Club amateur rugby team from Montevideo to Santiago, Chile, for a match. Onboard were not just players but also family, friends, and a last-minute passenger attending her daughter's wedding. A pilot error led the plane to crash in the snowy Andes mountains, remaining undiscovered for over two months. The survivors recount tales of sacrifice, friendship, faith, and, most chillingly, cannibalism.
The ominous signs began before the plane even departed. The aircraft, a Fairchild FH-227D, was deemed arguably unfit for the journey. Survivor Nando Parrado, reflecting on the disaster, revealed a sense of naivety in boarding the plane, emphasizing its underpowered engines flying over the highest mountains in South America amid bad weather. Forced to land early in Mendoza, Argentina, due to unfavorable weather, the pilots faced legal complications as the aircraft was leased from the Uruguayan Air Force, prohibiting more than 24 hours on Argentinian soil. The journey resumed on Friday, October 13, a date laden with unlucky symbolism that the team humorously acknowledged.
As "Society of the Snow" makes its debut, the haunting echoes of this unforgettable tragedy are once again brought to the forefront, inviting audiences to delve into a narrative that transcends survival, exploring the depths of human resilience in the face of unparalleled adversity.
A direct route to Santiago was deemed impossible for the ill-fated Fairchild aircraft, as its maximum flying altitude fell short of Aconcagua, the towering Andean peak. The pilots, facing this limitation, charted a course southward over the Planchos Pass, where the ridges were lower and more navigable. What was anticipated to be a 90-minute journey turned into tragedy approximately one hour into the flight.
The pilot, under the impression of having crossed the Planchos Pass and reached Curicó, Chile, had, in fact, misjudged the plane's position. Unaware of this error, air controllers cleared the descent, leading to a catastrophic collision with a ridge. The impact resulted in the detachment of the plane's tail and wings, with the left propeller slicing through the fuselage. The shattered aircraft hurtled down the mountain, claiming the lives of 12 individuals and leaving others severely injured.
Survivor Roberto Canessa, then a medical student, vividly recalled the horrifying moment, stating, "I was thrown with an incredible force, and as I was fainting, I was realizing that I was alive, and the plane had stopped." Amid the wreckage, Nando Parrado discovered his younger sister Susy near the cockpit, severely injured and unable to communicate. The crash itself was a nightmarish ordeal, but it was the subsequent narrative of survival and sacrifice that gripped the public's attention.
Stranded at an altitude of approximately 3,500 meters in the frigid Andes mountains, the survivors grappled with freezing conditions, enduring temperatures plummeting to -35°C. Taking refuge within the mostly intact fuselage, they constructed a makeshift wall using suitcases, aircraft debris, and seats. Despite their efforts, the wall offered only minimal protection against the relentless winds and frequent blizzards outside.
In the chilling account provided by Parrado to The Guardian, the bone-chilling cold led the survivors to extreme measures for circulation, resorting to physical actions like punching each other's arms. Seeking warmth in one another's breath became a desperate survival tactic. As the tale unfolds in "Society of the Snow," the true horror and resilience of those who faced the unthinkable in the Andes disaster come to light, revealing a narrative that transcends the boundaries of survival.
In the unforgiving landscape of the Andes, where snow surrounded them but eating it proved harsh on their throats and lips, survival for the group meant adapting to their extreme surroundings. The initial challenge of finding drinkable water from snow was eventually overcome as they learned to melt it in bottles, ensuring it was warm enough to consume. Nando Parrado reflected on their transformation, stating, "One month into the ordeal we were mountain men, and we knew what to do.
Amid the vast snowy expanse, food became their most pressing concern. The crash had left them with meager supplies – chocolate, sweets, nuts, crackers, and some alcohol – all of which dwindled within a week despite stringent rationing. At high altitudes, the body's caloric needs soared, intensifying the struggle for sustenance. Desperation led to attempts at consuming strips of leather torn from luggage and ripping open seat cushions in search of edible straw, only to find upholstery foam.
Facing the harsh reality that survival depended on extreme measures, the group made a decision that would become a defining aspect of their tale: they chose to consume the flesh of the deceased. Parrado acknowledged the gravity of the decision, stating, "Again and again, I came to the same conclusion: Unless we wanted to eat the clothes we were wearing, there was nothing here but aluminum, plastic, ice, and rock," as recounted in his 2006 memoir. The question of cannibalism was posed to the predominantly Roman Catholic group, and despite the moral and emotional struggle, they reached a consensus that it was the only viable option. Some even pledged their bodies to the others if they were to perish.
Director JA Bayona, known for his work on the real-life disaster film "The Impossible," delved into the survivors' experiences, recalling one survivor's words: "The first day we did it, it was horrible. We broke a taboo, we felt miserable. The second day we were in a line, waiting for our portion of the food." Those who initially resisted eventually succumbed to the harsh reality after hearing a radio broadcast on day 11, announcing the suspension of the rescue search. The challenging conditions and the belief that no one could survive further contributed to their grim choice for survival. As the haunting details unfold in "Society of the Snow," the narrative forces audiences to confront the unimaginable choices made in the pursuit of life against insurmountable odds.
Tragedy struck the group once again on the 17th day of their harrowing ordeal when an avalanche mercilessly engulfed the fuselage. Those who had been resting on the floor were instantly buried in snow, and eight individuals lost their lives that fateful night. The avalanche obliterated the plane, packing snow to within a meter of the ceiling and leaving the remaining survivors in a desperate situation with dwindling air supply.
In a race against time, Nando Parrado managed to pry open one of the cockpit windscreens after hours of effort, using a metal pole from the luggage racks to create a hole through the snow, allowing fresh air to enter. However, a relentless blizzard confined them inside the fuselage alongside their fallen comrades. Faced with imminent starvation, the survivors made the agonizing decision to consume the remains of their deceased companions.
When the blizzard finally subsided, the group, now burdened with the weight of their choices, courageously dug their way out of the snow through the cockpit. With no rescue in sight and their situation becoming increasingly dire, a daring plan was hatched. Some of the survivors, clad in layers salvaged from the wreckage and equipped with a backpack carrying three days' worth of meat rations, embarked on a perilous journey for help.
Over the ensuing weeks, the survivors underwent rigorous training for the expedition and fashioned makeshift mountaineering equipment, including a sleeping bag crafted from cushions and a sled improvised from a suitcase. Their departure was delayed as they waited for weather conditions to improve. On the 61st day, three of the rugby players set out on a treacherous path, guided by the pilot's earlier revelation that they had passed Curicó, indicating the western extremities of the Andes. Their plan involved scaling the mountain to the west and then descending towards Chile.
The expedition proved to be as arduous as anticipated, marked by severe altitude sickness due to the rapid ascent and even more extreme temperatures than those experienced at the fuselage. In the face of the daunting challenges, the survivors pressed on, embodying a determination fueled by the grim reality that going back meant certain death, and the only viable option was to push forward into the unknown.
Upon reaching the summit, the survivors were confronted with the disheartening reality that the Chilean green valleys they had anticipated were nowhere in sight. The weight of this crushing realization was followed by yet another difficult choice: retreat or persist westward. Nando Parrado recounted the pivotal moment to The Guardian, saying, "I said, 'Come on, Roberto, I cannot do it alone. Let's go. If we go back, what for? I'm going to die looking into your eyes and who dies first?'
In a courageous display of resilience, one of the three men returned to the fuselage using the makeshift sled, while Parrado and Roberto Canessa opted to continue their westward journey. Enduring unbearable conditions, they traversed over 37 miles in 10 days, spurred on only by faint signs of human life – a herd of cows and remnants of a campsite. Their arduous trek led them to encounter three men on the far side of a river, with communication facilitated by written notes tied to a rock tossed back and forth due to the roaring water.
Once the men grasped the dire situation, they threw a loaf of bread across the river and rushed to seek help from the nearest police station, located a challenging 10-hour journey away by mule. Meanwhile, Parrado and Canessa were transported on horseback to Los Maitenes, where they received additional nourishment while the police relayed news of the survivors to the Chilean Army in San Fernando.
Helicopters, dispatched with a rescue squad, arrived with Parrado providing guidance in locating the fuselage. Carlito Páez, the youngest survivor, expressed to the BBC that witnessing the helicopters was "still the great moment of my life." On December 22, 72 days after the plane crash, two helicopters reached the site. Due to challenging terrain, only half of the survivors were rescued that day, with four rescuers volunteering to stay behind for one more night with the remaining seven survivors. The following day, the remaining survivors were airlifted out at daybreak.
Transported to a hospital in Santiago, the group underwent treatment for altitude sickness, dehydration, frostbite, broken bones, scurvy, and malnutrition. Parrado had shed 45kg of his 100kg body weight, and Canessa, too, weighed a mere 44kg at the time of their rescue. The ordeal that began with a tragic plane crash concluded with a remarkable rescue, marking the end of an extraordinary tale of survival against insurmountable odds.
While the Andes disaster of 1972 has been retold in various forms over the years, Spanish filmmaker JA Bayona's latest film, "Society of the Snow," adds a new perspective by being told in Spanish. The film incorporates interviews with survivors and the families of those who perished, bringing a compassionate and authentic portrayal to the screen. Bayona, who faced challenges securing financing due to the film being in Spanish, took extra care to cast young Uruguayan and Argentine actors and shoot parts of the film in the Andes.
Survivors actively participated in the film, with some appearing on screen, such as Carlito Páez playing the role of his own father. The movie has garnered praise from those who lived through the harrowing experience, with Nando Parrado commending it as a "magnificent piece of filmmaking" and expressing the belief that it will help others understand their ordeal. "Society of the Snow" joins the collection of narratives surrounding the Andes disaster, offering a compelling and compassionate portrayal that adds depth to the rich history of the event. While it may not be the final cinematic exploration of the story, it stands as a worthy contribution told with care and understanding. The film is available on Netflix, providing viewers with an opportunity to engage with this captivating tale of survival and resilience.
In conclusion, "Society of the Snow" emerges as a poignant and compassionate retelling of the 1972 Andes disaster, offering a fresh perspective by being presented in Spanish. Spanish filmmaker JA Bayona's commitment to authenticity, including interviews with survivors and families, adds depth to the narrative. Despite the challenges in financing due to the film's language, Bayona's dedication to portraying the story with care shines through. The active involvement of survivors in the film, with some playing roles on screen, adds a personal touch to the storytelling.
The positive reception from those who experienced the tragedy firsthand, such as Nando Parrado, underscores the film's impact in conveying the profound challenges and resilience of the survivors. "Society of the Snow" stands as a significant contribution to the cinematic exploration of the Andes disaster, providing a nuanced and empathetic portrayal. While it may not be the final word on this remarkable tale, the film is a commendable addition to the narrative and is now accessible to a broader audience through Netflix.