Film Review #55 - Society of The Snow (2023)

 


The Positive

From the outset, the cinematography of the film captured my attention, marked by its exceptional quality and mysterious narration. The camera work, particularly the use of medium-closeup and full landscape shots, is noteworthy, reminiscent of James Friend's cinematography style in "All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)." The film's adept use of various camera lenses, especially in super close-up shots, further elevates its visual storytelling, while the editing and sound design intricately weave tension into each scene. 

The muffled sounds and precise audio cues enhance the immersive experience, with the sound design shining brightly during the airplane scene, incorporating elements like the Shepard tone and horror SFX.

The costume and production design perfectly match the film's aesthetic, enhancing the unfolding events. The film's stunning visuals are particularly striking in the winter and mountain shots. The cinematographer's talent is evident in the surreal depiction of interior plane scenes.

The setting's authenticity, with minimal CGI enhancement, is impressive, as is the commitment to shooting on a real location, which reflects the genuine harshness of the environment.

The Mixed

The film obviously portrayed the dialogue, decision-making process, and working together as necessary for survival in the harsh, cold environment. However, there were instances during the movie where the writing seemed somewhat lacking. For example, the film lacked a thorough exploration of the characters' personal lives at the beginning, hence, it was rushed. Even though the film is 2 hours and 24 minutes, it could be extended to explore more of it, which would make the film more relatable and personal.

The musical score is adequate as background music, but it doesn't push any boundaries or leave a lasting impression just like with Oppenheimer (2023) score. 

The Conclusion

Overall, I find this movie is obviously well-done. I imagine how challenging it was to shoot the scenes since people were surviving in the harsh freezing cold conditions. Nevertheless, its cinematography and sound design is undoubtedly Oscar-worthy. The film provides a stunning visual experience that helps to make up for any weaknesses in the storytelling and less captivating elements. 

Rating: 7/10

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