'The Hijacking of Flight 601' (2024) air date, plot, full cast and how to stream Netflix's thriller series
Show name: The Hijacking of Flight 601 aka Secuestro al vuelo 601
Platform: Netflix
Date of release: April 10, 2024
Country of origin: Colombia
Genre: Thriller/Drama
Director: David Pombo, Pablo Gonzalez, C.S. Prince
Full cast list: Monica Lopera, Valentín Villafañe, Alián Devetac, Christian Tappan, Angela Cano, Enrique Carriazo, Marcela Benjumea, and others
Netflix is gearing up for the release of its latest Columbian thriller-drama, 'The Hijacking of Flight 601' aka 'Secuestro al vuelo 601'. The show is scheduled to debut on Wednesday, April 10.
Directed by C.S. Prince and Pablo González, known for 'The Great Heist,' 'The Hijacking of Flight 601' aka 'Secuestro al vuelo 601,' draws inspiration from the most prolonged aerial hijack in Latin American history.
The story is brought to life with a cast including Mónica Lopera, Christian Tappan, Enrique Carriazo, Ángela Cano, Marcela Benjumea, and more. 'The Hijacking of Flight 601' promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, disclosing a tale that blurs the lines between reality and fiction.
What is the plot of 'The Hijacking of Flight 601' aka 'Secuestro al vuelo 601'?
The backdrop is set in the 1970s. A plane is hijacked by two armed revolutionaries threatening to blow it up. The tension rises as the pilot must ensure the safety of the crew while dealing with the armed hijackers to safely land the plane.
The revolutionaries demand $200,000 and the release of 50 political prisoners to the Colombian government. The trailer leaves viewers hanging, wondering if the pilots and government can handle the situation and land the plane safely, or if tragedy will strike mid-air. Will the Colombian government release the prisoners?
However, the official synopsis reads, "Two armed and hooded individuals hijack and threaten to blow up Flight 601 unless the Colombian government releases 50 political prisoners and pays them a hefty ransom in cash."
Is 'The Hijacking of Flight 601' aka 'Secuestro al vuelo 601' based on a true story?
In what has been described as one of the longest aerial hijackings in history, SAM Colombia HK-1274, en route from Pereira to Medellin, was hijacked by two masked gunmen demanding a ransom of $200,000 and the release of political prisoners in El Socorro, Colombia, on May 30, 1973.
The hijackers, later identified as Gildardo Rivera and Ario Howards, executed their plan with precision, diverting the aircraft across multiple countries and leaving authorities perplexed.
The ordeal began with the hijackers' demand, leading the aircraft through Aruba, Central America, Ecuador, Peru, and Argentina. Passengers were released at various stops, reducing the initial 84 onboard to a fraction by the journey's end, as per The New York Times.
The culminating destination was Buenos Aires, Argentina, where the hijackers mysteriously vanished, leaving behind a relieved but bewildered crew and passengers. Despite intensive efforts by authorities, the duo reportedly managed to evade capture, believed to have escaped near the borders of Brazil and Paraguay.
Throughout the ordeal, Rivera and Howards reportedly maintained a facade of left-wing guerrillas, threatening harm to the crew's relatives if their demands were not met. Their strategy included selecting destinations randomly by pointing at a map of South America, according to the outlet.
Captain Molina and his crew were confined in a Buenos Aires hotel while negotiations and investigations took place. Meanwhile, passengers landed at various stops, with the final leg of the journey ending in Mendoza, Argentina, after a harrowing passage through the Andes mountains.
The hijackers initially demanded the release of prisoners in Colombia but later seemed more focused on their own getaway plans, reportedly disregarding earlier suggestions of flying to Cuba. However, their motives and current whereabouts are still a mystery.
'The Hijacking of Flight 601' aka 'Secuestro al vuelo 601' main cast
Monica Lopera
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Monica Lopera, born in Miami, Florida, on September 10, 1985, began her acting journey early in life. Her passion sparked at six when she joined a children's theater school in Medellin, Colombia.
Recognized for her talent, Monica honed her skills, eventually venturing to the UK. Her big break came with the role of Clara Arango in the soap opera 'Francisco the Mathematician'. This marked the start of her TV career, including roles in series like 'Killing Eve' and 'Borgia'.
Monica also left her mark on the big screen, showcasing her comedy skills in the 2016 film 'Between Two Worlds' alongside Chris Mason.
In 2019, Monica ventured into voice acting, lending her voice to Gabriela in 'Thomas & Friends' and Sofia in 'The Adventures of Paddington', beloved children's animated series.
Valentín Villafañe
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Valentín Villafañe, born on May 2, 1991, in Argentina, is a well-known Argentine actor. He gained fame for his portrayal of Titán in the Argentine telenovela 'Sueña mí'.
At the age of nine, he began studying theater in his hometown of Mar del Plata. Later, he moved to Buenos Aires to study at renowned theaters such as 'Andamio 90' by Alejandra Boero, Centro Cultural Gral San Martín, Teatro Rojas, and 'Timbre 4' by Claudio Tolcachir.
He performed works by authors like Federico García Lorca, Tennessee Williams, and Berthold Brecht.
Valentín's television career began in 2006 with a role in 'Something They Will Have Done for Argentine History' as Colonel Panchito Solano López. He also appeared in the second season of 'Patito feo' in 2008 as Damián.
Christian Tappan
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Christian Tappan began his acting career early, studying at Televisa's Child School and later in Colombia under the guidance of his father.
Tappan's career spans over 38 years in television, film, and theater across Latin America. Some of his recent projects include 'Snowfall' (2017), 'La Reina del Sur' (2011), 'Wild District' (2018), and 'Narcos' (2015).
Notable film roles include 'Before the Fire,' 'Blunt Force Trauma,' 'Que viva la música' (2015), and 'La semilla del silencio' (2015), with the latter two showcased at Sundance 2015.
Tappan has won two India Catalina awards for best-supporting actor for his roles in 'Pablo Escobar: El Patrón del Mal' (2012) and 'La Promesa' (2013).
How to stream 'The Hijacking of Flight 601' aka 'Secuestro al vuelo 601'?
'The Hijacking of Flight 601' aka 'Secuestro al vuelo 601' will be available on Netflix from Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Don't have Netflix?
Access to the film requires a Netflix membership, available starting from $6.99/month for the standard plan with ads.
The standard plan without ads is priced at $15.49/month, while the Premium plan costs $22.99/month.
'The Hijacking of Flight 601' aka 'Secuestro al vuelo 601' trailer