They Ate Their Friends to Survive: The Shocking True Story of an Andes Plane Crash

The story about the Uruguayan Rugby Team’s Descent Into Hell after their plane crashes in the mountains. A The Journey to death.

This plane crash in the mountains has captured audiences worldwide with its harrowing depiction of survival against all odds.

Directed by J.A. Bayona, this Netflix film, based on the 2008 book by Pablo Vierci, retells the true story of the 1972 Andes flight disaster involving Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571. This blog delves into the film’s impact, its release on Netflix, and the incredible story of one survivor’s journey to seek help, which became a pivotal moment in this tale of human resilience.

The Film: “Society of the Snow”

Released on Netflix on January 4, 2024, “Society of the Snow” offers an unflinching look at the aftermath of the crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 in the Andes Mountains. The film has received critical acclaim for its portrayal of the survivors’ struggle, not only against the elements but also with the moral dilemmas they faced. With a Metacritic score of 72, the consensus is that Bayona’s film combines technical mastery with a powerful message about survival, hope, and human spirit. The film’s authenticity is heightened by its shooting locations in the actual Andes and the involvement of real-life survivors in the creative process.

The Story of Survival and Cannibalism.

The narrative of “Society of the Snow” does not shy away from the brutal reality that, to survive, the stranded rugby team members had to resort to cannibalism. The film carefully navigates this sensitive topic, focusing on the emotional and ethical turmoil rather than sensationalizing the act. This choice was appreciated by critics for maintaining the dignity of those involved while not sugarcoating the harshness of their situation.

Roberto Canessa’s Journey for Help.

Among the survivors, the story of Roberto Canessa stands out for its sheer willpower and determination. Weeks after the crash, with rescue efforts having failed, Canessa, along with fellow survivor Fernando Parrado, decided to brave the treacherous Andes in search of help. Their journey, which is dramatically depicted in “Society of the Snow,” involved climbing over glaciers, facing extreme weather, and navigating through some of the most inhospitable terrain on Earth. Canessa’s trek was not just physical but a profound psychological journey, challenging his endurance, faith, and resolve.

For 10 days, Canessa and Parrado walked, hoping to find civilization. Their path took them across the Andes, where they finally encountered a Chilean sheep herder, Sergio Catalán, who alerted rescue teams. Canessa’s journey was pivotal; without it, the remaining survivors might not have been rescued. His story is a testament to the human capacity to push beyond one’s limits when survival is at stake. This part of the narrative in the film is both a climax and a poignant reflection on the lengths one would go for the sake of others.