The straightforwardness of "Society of the Snow" is what makes it shine among the other releases of the month.

Director: J. A. Bayona
Rating: 7.5/10

"Society of the Snow" is an emotionally charged film that combines technical prowess with a poignant narrative. The message of the movie is simple yet impactful, and it's delivered without losing its power amid the dramatic retelling.

One of the most intense parts of the movie is the crash scene. It's made so real and scary that it might make some people think twice about getting on a plane. This scene, with its heart-stopping tension and chilling visuals, sets the tone for the rest of the film, as it confronts the audience with the fragility of life. The decision to make it fully Spanish adds a layer of authenticity to the film, and the performances bring the characters to life. The actors do a great job of making us feel the intense emotions and struggles that the real people must have gone through.

Despite the well-known nature of the story, "Society of the Snow" approaches its retelling with an elegant simplicity. It doesn't try to be overly clever or ostentatious, which is a breath of fresh air, especially when compared to other January releases that often feel like they're just filling space in the movie calendar. The film avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on the stark reality of its characters' plight. The movie doesn't shy away from the darker parts of the story, including cannibalism.

One of the most challenging aspects of the story is its depiction of cannibalism. The film handles this delicate subject matter with grace, presenting it as a grim necessity rather than a gratuitous shock factor. In an evocative scene, the survivors huddled together against the merciless cold, make the harrowing decision to do the unthinkable. The characters' anguish is palpable as they weigh their hunger against their humanity. The director presents this moment with such empathy that the audience can't help but feel an understanding of the characters' desperate choices.

However, the film is not without its shortcomings. After the initial shock and emotional engagement, the pacing slows, and the narrative starts to feel drawn out. At 145 minutes, some parts drag on and lose the tight grip on the audience's attention that it had in the beginning. Because of this, what could have been a gripping tale starts to feel predictable and ordinary.

Additionally, while the film aspires to be emotionally stirring throughout, some of the scenes intended to evoke deep feelings fall flat. Whether due to the sheer length of the movie or the repetition of certain emotional beats, these moments don't always deliver the intended impact.

In conclusion, "Society of the Snow" is a film that tells a difficult story with dignity and technical excellence. Its straightforward storytelling and potent themes resonate strongly, even if the film's length and pacing issues prevent it from being as consistently engaging as it could be. It's a movie that's worth watching for its performances and the respectful way it handles its subject matter, but it might leave some feeling like it overstays its welcome.