Frozen Secrets: Unveiling the Harrowing Tale of Society in Snow

The shocking true story behind the movie Society of the Snow is set to premiere on Netflix on January 4. This captivating film portrays the high stakes of a crisis.

Instead of TV shows like Lost and Yellowjackets, the movie's tragic plane crash is based on a true story, adapted from the 2008 book La Sociedad de la Nieve (Society of the Snow). Here's everything you need to know before watching it on Netflix.

The true story of Society of the Snow

On October 12, 1972, 45 passengers and crew boarded Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 from Montevideo in the Andes Mountains to Santiago, Chile.

Most of the passengers were part of the Old Christians Club amateur rugby team, led by esteemed Captain Julio César Ferradas, who had accumulated over 5,000 air miles in his career. The flight hit a rough patch when it was forced to make a layover in Mendoza, Argentina due to bad weather. When the flight resumed, the less experienced co-pilot Dante Hector Lagurara was in control.

Due to strong winds, the pilots had to take a roundabout route through a mountain pass to Chile. However, the descent was too rapid, causing the wings and tail of the plane to detach from the main body. 12 people, including Captain Ferradas, lost their lives. Others, such as Lagurara, succumbed to their injuries and the harsh conditions in the days following the crash.

Amid the scattered seats, luggage, and plane debris, the survivors huddled against the relentless cold. Despite spotting a rescue plane on the fourth day, the search efforts were called off by the tenth day. With no other options, they resorted to eating snow for sustenance, only to face an avalanche that claimed the lives of eight more passengers.

As food dwindled and conditions worsened, the remaining survivors made the difficult decision to resort to cannibalism, agreeing that those who died would be used to sustain the others. Enduring the harsh conditions of the Andes for approximately two months, around two dozen passengers managed to stay alive.

The rescue mission lasted longer than anticipated, and assistance did not arrive until day 72. Two passengers traveled over 37 miles in 10 days to seek help, and they were successful in finding aid and guiding others back to the group. Following the rescue, the media faced criticism for sensationalizing the group's trauma.

Society of the Snow will be available for streaming on Netflix starting January 4th. Be sure to explore our other Netflix hubs below.

Firefly Lane Season 3, Beef Season 2, Monster Season 2, Ginny and Georgia Season 3, Stranger Things Season 5, Florida Man Season 2, Obsession Season 2, The Sandman Season 2, The Lincoln Lawyer Season 3, Heartstopper Season 3, Virgin River Season 6, Lift, The Manny Season 2 - are you looking forward to any of these upcoming seasons?

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am eagerly anticipating the release of "Society of the Snow" on Netflix. The true story behind the movie, based on the book "La Sociedad de la Nieve," promises a captivating and harrowing tale of survival and resilience in the face of extreme adversity. The fact that it's based on real events adds a layer of emotional depth and authenticity to the story, making it all the more compelling.

The survival strategies employed by the passengers, including resorting to cannibalism, highlight the desperate measures people are willing to take to stay alive. It raises ethical questions and challenges our understanding of human nature in extreme situations. The film also sheds light on the importance of teamwork, leadership, and the human spirit's ability to endure unimaginable hardships. I believe "Society of the Snow" will resonate with Gen Z viewers who are drawn to stories of resilience, courage, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.