New York Magazine (Vulture) by Roxana Hadadi

What elevates the film above trauma-porn gore and pushes it into transcendence, though, is how its philosophical script and unshakeable performances navigate the question of whether survival is a transgression against God.

Polygon by Siddhant Adlakha

Bayona’s approach to the “triumph of the human spirit” arc — often a broad, four-quadrant, feel-good cinematic flattening of real events — is both scrutinous and rigorous. It turns the concept inside out, presenting the ordeal of 571’s survivors as a murky scenario that we’ve been granted secret, intimate access to.

Film Threat by Alex Saveliev

When it comes to survival tales, Society of the Snow sets a standard that will be difficult to top.

Observer by Emily Zemler

It’s a tearjerker at times, sure, but what remains is how much a person can endure under impossible circumstances. How can someone be this resilient? It seems unknowable, but movies like this help us to get closer to the truth of our existence. It’s a difficult watch, but an important one.

ReelViews by James Berardinelli

Gifted with a surprisingly large budget (reportedly ~$70M), Bayona is able to effectively recreate not only the crash but the dangers faced by the survivors while seamlessly incorporating on-location footage with studio-based material. The remarkable accomplishment results in a breathtaking motion picture that enthralls across the length of its 140+ minute running time.

The Playlist by Rodrigo Pérez

Ambitious, impressive, and genuine, with a great sense of vast scale and awe, as its title suggests, Society Of Snow is not only a three-dimensional cinematic feat of wonder, terror, and emotion-stirring courage but a deeply felt portrait of togetherness, brotherhood, and survival, poignantly commemorating the painful memory of indescribable loss and tragedy.

Empire by Amon Warmann

A viscerally rendered plane crash gives way to an affecting story of humanity and survival. Bayona is on impressive form here.

The Guardian by Peter Bradshaw

This is a fervent film, heartfelt and shot with passion and sweep.

Time Out by Phil de Semlyen

Society of the Snow is careful to memorialise the dead in a moving, meaningful way.

Variety by Guy Lodge

It’s up to the individual whether to see this story as a miracle or a tragedy, Numa says in voiceover; Bayona’s film, for all its forceful feeling, doesn’t decide for us.