Netflix's Society of the Snow: Unveiling the True Story of a Plane Crash, Cannibalism, and a Perilous 10-Day Trek
The Netflix movie “Society of the Snow,” released on January 4, is based on the true story of how members and supporters of a Uruguayan rugby team survived for months in the Andes Mountains after their plane crashed. The incident occurred on October 12, 1972, when Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, carrying 45 people, crashed in the Andes during a flight from Montevideo, Uruguay, to Santiago, Chile.
The passengers were members of the Old Christians Club amateur rugby team, their friends, and family. The crash occurred after a navigation error, causing the plane to descend into the snowy Andes. Twelve people died immediately, and others succumbed to injuries and harsh conditions in the following days. The survivors turned the fuselage into a shelter, rationing meager provisions and resorting to unthinkable measures like consuming meat from the deceased to survive.
After the search operation was called off, and they were presumed dead, the survivors faced another tragedy when avalanches buried the fuselage, resulting in more deaths. On the 61st day, three survivors, including Dr. Roberto Canessa, decided to embark on a perilous journey to find help. They endured harsh conditions, trained, and fashioned necessary equipment. Ultimately, their incredible resilience and determination led them to civilization.
The story is based on the book “Society of the Snow” by Uruguayan journalist Pablo Vierci and co-written with survivor Dr. Roberto Canessa. Another book, “I Had to Survive: How a Plane Crash in the Andes Inspired My Calling to Save Lives,” co-authored by Vierci and Canessa, delves into the aftermath and Canessa’s life after the ordeal. The movie sheds light on the harrowing experience of survival, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of extreme adversity.
