A new Netflix series, La Palma, has quickly gained traction among viewers for its gripping narrative and explosive visuals, often leaving audiences 'yelling at the TV'. Released as the holiday season began, this Norwegian series offers viewers something fresh and thrilling, diverging from traditional festive films and shows.
The series revolves around the plight of a Norwegian family vacationing on the picturesque island of La Palma. But, as the synopsis reveals, all is not well: "It's Christmas and high season when a Norwegian family checks out of their favorite hotel on the island of La Palma. But beneath the idyll, danger lurks. A young Norwegian scientist discovers alarming signs about the volcano located at the heart of this holiday paradise. She must convince her colleagues of the impending worst-case scenario. If the volcano erupts, it could trigger massive devastation, including a tsunami the size of Manhattan. Will the family be able to escape the disaster of ash, gas, and lava?" The gripping plot sets the stage for both thrilling visuals and complex emotional storytelling.
Since its release, La Palma has quickly become one of Netflix UK's top ten most-watched series, currently sitting at third place behind the espionage thriller Black Doves and dark comedy No Good Deed. While the series draws inspiration from the real Cumbre Vieja volcano, which last erupted in 2021, the plot itself is fictional, allowing for creative liberties without grounding it explicitly in real disaster events. This mix of reality and fiction has intrigued audiences, inviting them to engage with the intense narrative.
Parts of the audience have been especially enthusiastic. One viewer shared their experience on social media, saying, "This show is SO binge-worthy. The visuals are absolutely stunning, and it’s exciting from start to finish. Loved it." Another enthusiastic viewer highlighted the series' mix of aesthetics and storytelling, stating, "La Palma delivers stunning visuals, compelling characters with each their own unique stories, and nonstop suspense throughout the series." They praised the production values, noting the exciting narrative keeps the audience captivated from episode to episode.
Some viewers were pleasantly surprised, describing the show as "a positive surprise" and acknowledging the subtle climate change message embedded within the narrative. Despite some critique around pacing and certain scenes being described as slow, many still felt compelled to recommend the series to fans of the genre.
Conversely, not all feedback has been complimentary; some viewers expressed frustration with specific plot points. For some, the drama’s intensity led to moments of emotional outcry, such as one viewer recounting, "Lots of me yelling at the TV - 'get out of there now, why doesn’t the plane take off?, don’t get off the plane.'" Others reported being deeply affected, sharing experiences on platforms like X, with one stating, "I’m over here balling my eyes out and just humming ... 10/10."
La Palma is directed by acclaimed team Harald Rosenløw Eeg and Lars Gudmestad, who previously worked together on successful Norwegian disaster films such as The Wave and The Quake. This new venture marks one of Norway's most ambitious productions, swapping familiar fjord landscapes for volcanic terrains set on the Spanish island.
La Palma's narrative engages with various storylines—tales of familial struggle, survival instincts, and emotional connections set against the terrifying threat of calamity. Notably, Jennifer Ingrid Bolsø Berdal stars as Jennifer, the mother of two children. She navigates not only the looming disaster but also her increasingly strained marriage to Fredrik, portrayed by Anders Baasmo. Their household dynamics course through the series, interlinking personal strife with the external chaos enveloping them.
Marie Ekdal, played by Thea Sofie Loch Næss, captures the audience's attention as she uncovers the eruption's precursors, embodying the scientific character who must sound the alarm on impending disaster. The blend of human stories and disaster reminds viewers of how natural phenomena can impact deeply personal lives.
Filming on the actual volcanic island provided layers of authenticity to the series, with local landscapes enhancing both scenic beauty and dramatic tension. The production occurs amid the backdrop of the island's previous eruptions, adding realism to the fictitious narrative. The creators revealed they initially hesitated to proceed with filming, yet local authorities saw the potential for economic recovery through the project.
La Palma succeeds by blending visually stunning disaster sequences with poignant human stories. It targets not just disaster enthusiasts but also those who appreciate stories of resilience and humanity. For fans of the genre, it weaves together the expected excitement associated with disaster narratives and the fresh take of modern storytelling, emphasizing the interconnectedness of characters amid calamity. The mini-series offers something unique and engaging, firmly placing itself within the Norwegian disaster film lineage.
Now streaming on Netflix, La Palma provides viewers with the edge-of-your-seat excitement they covet, all the more enthralling as it artfully navigates the heavy themes of vulnerability and survival. For those contemplating their next holiday adventure, the story might just make them reconsider their destination choices. Whatever the opinions, La Palma has undeniably struck chords with many, ensuring it remains part of discussions among streaming audiences everywhere.
