Society of the Snow – True Story, Netflix Release and Full Guide

In 1972, a Uruguayan rugby team’s chartered flight crashed into the Andes. More than fifty years later, J.A. Bayona turned their ordeal into a gripping film titled Society of the Snow. The movie, which landed on Netflix in January 2024, offers a raw, collective portrait of survival that has drawn widespread acclaim for its fidelity to real events.

Unlike earlier Hollywood versions, this production prioritises the group’s shared struggle over individual heroics. It is based on Pablo Vierci’s 2008 non‑fiction book, written with the cooperation of the survivors themselves. The result is a film that feels less like a dramatisation and more like a testimony.

Below we break down the true story behind Society of the Snow, where to watch it, how it compares to the book, and what critics and survivors have said.

What Is the True Story Behind Society of the Snow?

On 13 October 1972, Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, a Fairchild FH‑227D, carried 45 passengers – mostly members of the Old Christians Club rugby team, along with family and supporters – from Montevideo to Santiago, Chile. A pilot error in poor weather caused the plane to crash into a glacier at about 3,500 metres (11,500 ft) in the remote Andes.

Key Insights

• Society of the Snow is widely praised for its realistic portrayal of the 1972 Andes flight disaster.
• The film earned an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature Film.
• Unlike previous adaptations, it focuses on the collective survival effort rather than individual heroics.
• The book La sociedad de la nieve, written with survivor cooperation, provides deeper personal accounts.
• The film was shot in Sierra Nevada, Spain, not the actual crash site, yet uses practical effects for authenticity.
• Survivors such as Roberto Canessa publicly praised the film as the most accurate depiction of the events.
• As of 2024, it is Netflix’s top‑viewed Spanish‑language film, with over 100 million hours viewed.

For a deeper dive into the historical event, see the True Story: 1972 Andes Flight Disaster (Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571) section above.

When Did Society of the Snow Release on Netflix and Where Can I Watch?

The film premiered globally on Netflix on 4 January 2024. Before that, it had limited theatrical runs in Uruguay (13 December 2023), Spain (15 December 2023), and the United States (22 December 2023). It also closed the 80th Venice International Film Festival out of competition.

Streaming Availability

As of early 2025, Society of the Snow is a Netflix Original and remains exclusive to the platform. It is available in Spanish with optional English dubbing and subtitles. No physical DVD or Blu‑ray release has been announced.

You can watch it directly on Netflix’s official page.

Who Directed Society of the Snow and What Is the Book It’s Based On?

J.A. Bayona, known for The Impossible and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, directed the film. He optioned the rights to Pablo Vierci’s 2008 book La sociedad de la nieve (published in English as Society of the Snow), a non‑fiction work built on extensive interviews with the survivors.

Pablo Vierci’s Book

Vierci, a Uruguayan writer and journalist, spent years gathering first‑hand accounts from the 16 survivors. The book emphasises the social bond that formed among the group, which Bayona used as the film’s core theme. Unlike earlier books such as Alive by Piers Paul Read, Vierci’s work offers a more intimate, insider perspective.

For a detailed comparison of the book and the film, see the Book Comparison section below.

What Does the Society of the Snow Trailer Reveal?

The official trailer, released on Netflix’s YouTube channel, shows the crash sequence, the survivors huddled in the fuselage, and the harrowing trek across the mountains. It also hints at the moral dilemma they faced as food ran out.

Cast and Characters

Bayona cast mostly unknown actors from Uruguay and Argentina to increase authenticity. Key roles include:

• Enzo Vogrincic as Numa Turcatti (the non‑rugby player who died on day 60)
• Matías Recalt as Roberto Canessa (the medical student who helped treat injuries and joined the expedition)
• Agustín Della Corte as Nando Parrado (who trekked 38 km to reach help)
• Diego Vegezzi as Marcelo Pérez (the team captain)

You can view the trailer on YouTube.

Timeline of the 1972 Andes Disaster and Film Adaptation

1. 13 October 1972 – Flight 571 crashes in the Andes.
2. October – December 1972 – Survivors endure extreme cold, an avalanche, and starvation.
3. 22 December 1972 – Two survivors reach help after 72 days.
4. 2008 – Pablo Vierci publishes La sociedad de la nieve.
5. 2023 – Film premieres at the Venice International Film Festival.
6. 4 January 2024 – Netflix global release.

What Is Fact vs. Dramatization?

How Does Society of the Snow Compare to Previous Adaptations?

The 1993 film Alive and the 1976 Survive! told the same story, but Society of the Snow differs in two notable ways. First, it places the collective “society” of the group at the centre, rather than singling out leaders. Second, it uses mostly non‑professional actors from Uruguay and Argentina, lending the performances a naturalistic feel.

Critics have highlighted the respectful handling of the cannibalism theme. Rather than sensationalising it, the film frames the decision as a consensual pact made within the group, grounded in their shared Catholic faith and rugby‑team bonds.

The film was shot on location in the Sierra Nevada, using practical effects and natural light to recreate the harsh conditions. The sound design and cinematography have been widely praised for immersing viewers in the survivors’ experience.

What Do Critics and Survivors Say?

The critical consensus has been overwhelmingly positive. Rotten Tomatoes rates the film above 90% with critics and audiences alike.

“An outstanding recreation of a grueling true story.” — Rotten Tomatoes critical consensus

“We wanted to honor the survivors and the ones who didn’t make it.” — J.A. Bayona, Netflix press kit

For an encyclopedic overview, consult the Wikipedia entry, and for user reviews and ratings, see IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. Pablo Vierci’s book is available through most major retailers (official site: pablovierci.com).

What Is the Legacy of Society of the Snow?

The film has cemented itself as the definitive cinematic treatment of the 1972 Andes disaster. By foregrounding the survivors’ collective resilience and staying faithful to the real story, it has earned both critical acclaim and a vast global audience. No sequel is planned, but the film is expected to continue its awards run through 2024. For a full breakdown of the historical accuracy, revisit the Book Comparison and True Story sections.

Frequently Asked Questions