The Rise of Society of the Snow
Society of the Snow, directed by J.A. Bayona, has taken Netflix by storm, quickly climbing the ranks to secure a spot in the streaming giant's top 10 non-English language movies list of all time. The film, which recounts the gripping true story of a rugby team's struggle for survival after a plane crash in the Andes mountains in 1972, has captured the attention of audiences and critics alike. Released on December 13, the movie has garnered widespread acclaim for its brutal and harrowing portrayal of the events.
Enzo Vogrincic as Numa kneeling on a snowy mountain in The Society of the Snow
In just 11 days, Society of the Snow achieved an impressive 28.1 million views, earning the #10 spot on Netflix's list. Since then, the film has continued to captivate audiences, accumulating a total of 51 million views and 124.1 million hours watched. Notably, it claimed the title of the #1 non-English language movie for the week of January 8 to 14, solidifying its place as a streaming sensation.
Twitter article posted by Netflix
The Reception of Society of the Snow
Despite its limited theatrical release, Society of the Snow has garnered widespread praise from critics and audiences, propelling it to an impressive 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While the audience score sits at 83%, both figures reflect a highly favorable reception. The film's depiction of the true story, which was previously chronicled in 1993's Alive, has been lauded for its authenticity and emotional impact. Director J.A. Bayona's nuanced storytelling and the compelling exploration of moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the rugby team have also been commended.
Notably, Bayona's directorial prowess and the authentic portrayal of events have distinguished Society of the Snow from its predecessor, Alive. The movie's technical excellence, visual presentation, and the powerful performances by the cast, including Enzo Vogrincic, Agustín Pardella, Matías Recalt, Esteban Bigliardi, Diego Vegezzi, and Rafael Federman, have contributed to its positive reception. With the potential for continued growth in viewership, Society of the Snow is poised to leave a lasting impact on Netflix's non-English language movie rankings.
The Legacy of Society of the Snow
Society of the Snow marks another triumph for director J.A. Bayona, known for his previous work on disaster stories such as The Impossible. The film's success on Netflix, coupled with its powerful narrative and standout performances, positions it as a significant addition to the streaming platform's non-English language movie catalog. As the movie continues to attract viewers and garner critical acclaim, it is poised to ascend further in the ranks, solidifying its place as a standout in the world of non-English language cinema.