Alive

The film opens with a poignant series of photographs showcasing the Old Christians Rugby Team of Stella Maris College. Carlitos Páez narrates the story, pointing out members of the team, including himself, Alex Morales, Felipe Restano, Nando Parrado, and their captain Antonio Balbi. The narrative sets a reflective tone around themes of heroism, solitude, and faith.

On October 13, 1972, Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 takes off, filled with excitement as the rugby players and friends anticipate a match in Chile. Nando's sister, Susana, marvels at the stunning landscape as they fly over the Andes. The atmosphere is filled with anticipation, but this excitement quickly turns to horror.

The exhilaration is abruptly cut short when the plane encounters turbulence and crashes into an unseen mountain peak. The impact tears off the wing and tail, sending the aircraft into a chaotic descent until it finally rests on the slope. Six lives are lost instantly during the crash, shaking the remaining passengers to their core.

In the aftermath of the crash, Antonio Balbi takes charge, demonstrating leadership to guide his injured teammates through the chaos. Medical students Roberto Canessa and Gustavo Zerbino tend to the wounded, but the grim reality of their situation begins to sink in as more lives are claimed by their injuries.

As night falls, the survivors are forced to prepare for the cold conditions on the mountain. Canessa sources materials from the wreckage to create makeshift blankets, and they huddle together in the fuselage, trying to create warmth and shelter. This desperate attempt highlights their dire situation and the urgency to survive the elements.

With limited supplies, Antonio decides that rationing is essential after the survivors find a tin of chocolates and a case of wine. They briefly celebrate their find, hoping for rescue soon, but the reality of their dwindling resources leads to tension and disagreement among them regarding how to portion the food.

As starvation looms, Nando suggests a grim solution—consuming the flesh of deceased passengers for sustenance. After much deliberation, the survivors come to a harrowing agreement to resort to cannibalism, highlighting the desperate measures they must take to stay alive under extreme circumstances.

A few days after the crash, an avalanche engulfs the wreckage, burying many of the survivors under piles of snow. This catastrophe results in the loss of additional lives, including pivotal characters Antonio and Liliana, deepening the sense of tragedy and despair among those left behind.

Nando, along with Canessa and Tintin, embarks on a dangerous quest to locate the plane's tail in hopes of retrieving the radio batteries to signal for help. The difficult search reflects their determination to survive and underscores the challenges they face in the treacherous mountain terrain.

After a significant struggle, Nando and Canessa finally manage to find a path to safety after a grueling 12-day trek through the mountains. They reach civilization and alert authorities about the remaining survivors, marking a pivotal turn towards hope amidst their harrowing experience.

Joy fills the air as helicopters arrive to rescue the 14 remaining survivors after Nando and Canessa alert the authorities. The anticipation of rescue brings a wave of relief mixed with sorrow for those they lost, encapsulating the emotional rollercoaster of their ordeal.

In a poignant conclusion, Carlitos reflects on the survivors' return to the crash site. They honor the memories of their deceased companions by burying them under rocks and placing a cross nearby, creating a lasting tribute to the 29 souls lost and the resilience of the 16 survivors.