“It’s really more than a film, it’s a spiritual experience”: Enzo Vogrincic, JA Bayona and Pablo Vierci on Society of the Snow

JA Bayona, whose directing credits include A Monster Calls, The Impossible, The Orphanage, turns his hand to a contrasting genre with Society of the Snow, which brings to screen the true-life tale of human survival of the 1972 Uruguayan flight disaster. Based on a book by Pablo Vierci, the movie charts in hair-raising detail the brutal conditions in the unforgiving Andes that those who survived the initial crash had to endure. As well as placing the audience thigh deep in the snow with the protagonists, the narrative delves deeply into the psyche of those stranded, charting their physical and emotional struggle against insurmountable odds. While a tragic and challenging watch, Bayona’s reverent treatment of the story finds inspiration and hope in unexpected places, tracing the human bonds that can be forged in the face of tragedy and the ultimate resilience of the human spirit.

Enzo Vogrincic shared how he prepared to take on the role of Numa Turcatti, the responsibility of portraying a real-life figure and the gruelling nature of the shoot that nonetheless ensured its authenticity. He also spoke about why he thinks it important the true life story be told on screen.

Bayona then gave some insight into the meticulous approach he took in his immersive retelling of the story, including involving survivors and shooting in authentic locations. He emphasised the human and spiritual aspects, aiming for a realistic audience experience, and exploring complex themes of heroism and survival without oversimplification.

Pablo Vierci reflected on how his childhood knowledge of the 1972 plane crash involving his classmates prompted his writing of his book. He discussed his commitment to telling the survivors’ story, working with director JA Bayona on the film adaptation and the feature’s exploration of heroism, survival and human nature.

 

Sarah Bradbury

Society of the Snow is released on Netflix on 22^nd December 2023.

Watch the trailer for Society of the Snow here: