Society of the Snow, the acclaimed film depicting the harrowing 1972 Andes plane crash and its aftermath, notably omitted a significant and challenging period faced by the survivors: the extensive public backlash they endured after revealing the controversial methods they used to survive.
The Unseen Public Reaction to Survival
While the film powerfully illustrates the physical and psychological ordeal on the mountain, it largely bypasses the societal judgment and moral dilemma that unfolded once the survivors were rescued and their story came to light. A major detail left out was the considerable public backlash they originally received.
This backlash stemmed directly from their confession about resorting to anthropophagy—the consumption of human flesh from deceased passengers—as a desperate measure for survival in the extreme conditions of the Andes. The film's omission of this aspect means a crucial part of the survivors' complete ordeal, extending beyond their time in the mountains, is not fully conveyed.
The following table summarizes this key omission and its significance:
| Omission Category | Specific Detail Omitted | Impact/Significance of Omission |
|---|---|---|
| Post-Rescue Challenges | Public backlash concerning their method of survival (anthropophagy) in the Andes. | This widespread societal condemnation added a significant layer of psychological and emotional burden, extending the survivors' ordeal beyond the physical struggle on the mountain and highlighting the moral complexities of their choices. The omission alters the audience's understanding of the full scope of their post-survival struggles, including their battle for acceptance and understanding. |
This aspect of their true story provides a deeper understanding of the complex ethical dilemmas they faced and the long-lasting impact of their choices on their lives, moving beyond just the physical act of survival to the profound human and societal implications.
