Alive: Based on a true story

Directed by Frank Marshall, Alive: Based on a true story follows the members of an Uruguayan rugby team, including Ethan Hawke’s Nando, Josh Hamilton’s Roberto, and Illeana Douglas’ Liliana, as they resort to extreme measures after their plane crashes in the Andes mountains. Filmmaker Marshall, armed with a script by John Patrick Shanley, delivers an overlong yet mostly satisfying true-life tale that benefits from its inherently compelling subject matter and smattering of engaging, above-average performances, and it’s clear, too, that the movie’s perpetually watchable atmosphere is heightened by a recurring emphasis on engrossing, exciting sequences and set-pieces – with this particularly true of the aforementioned plane crash and a terrifying avalanche. And while the picture’s 125 minute running time admittedly does result in a palpably flabby third act, Alive: Based on a true story builds towards a completely satisfying closing stretch that ensures it concludes on a thoroughly positive note – which cements the film’s place as a solid (albeit erratic) piece of work.

*** out of ****