Résumé

Two films released in 2023 work perfectly on the power of suggestion: Zone of Interest, by the British Jonathan Glazer; and Society of the Snow, by the Spanish J.A. Bayona. The first reveals the horror of war without us seeing it explicitly. Still cameras are used. This gives the impression of being faced with a cruel reality where we see the routine of the residence of the extermination camp commander. At the same time, we are confronted with actions that occur outside the frame portrayed by the sound design and the background images that suggest what happens next to this uncomfortable scenario, starting from the opening with the screen entirely dark for long seconds. The second film deals with the plane crash that occurred in October 1972 with the flight that crashed in the Andes and over the course of 72 days, portraying those who survived the crash and the difficult weather conditions faced situations that required extreme measures. The accident is a mere detail. The ethical issue that arises, in this case cannibalism, is debated in the right way. It is present, but we never see it. What prevails is determination, willpower, hope of overcoming, in short: the survival instinct. 
The approach is respectful, poetic, realistic and emotionally charged. These two works prove that it is possible to deal with taboo, controversial and difficult themes without resorting to the explicit or the grotesque. All it takes is sensitivity and boldness, as well as trust in the viewer’s perception.