The limited series La Palma, which premiered on Netflix on December 12, 2023, is captivating audiences with its thrilling narrative about volcanic eruptions and their life-threatening consequences. Set against the picturesque backdrop of La Palma, one of the Canary Islands, this dramatic four-episode series weaves the tale of a Norwegian family caught in turmoil during their Christmas vacation, alongside the perilous work of geologists studying imminent volcanic dangers.
Created by the talented team of Martin Sundland, Lars Gudmestad, and Harald Rosenløw Eeg, La Palma is not merely entertainment but draws inspiration from real geological phenomena, particularly the infamous Cumbre Vieja volcano, which erupted for nearly three months from September to December 2021. The premise suggests terror and survival as the characters grapple with both impending volcanic eruptions and the potential for catastrophic tsunamis.
The series follows the fictional Frederick family—composed of Frederick (played by Anders Baasmo Christiansen), his wife Jennifer (played by Ingrid Bolsø Berdal), and their children Sara (Alma Günther) and Tobias (Bernard Storm Lagers)—as they contend with alarming discoveries made by young scientist Marie (Thea Sofie Loch Næss). When geologists find evidence indicating the volcano is about to erupt, Marie faces the challenge of convincing her colleagues and the family of the imminent danger.
One of the standout features of La Palma is its cast, particularly the young actress Alma Günther, who brings depth to her character, Sara. Her performance has drawn acclaim and interest, highlighting her growing presence within the entertainment industry. At just 18 years old, Alma has amassed quite the resume, including previous roles like Marin from HBO’s Welcome to Utmark, which showcased her ability to portray complex characters. Other notable projects include her performances as Linn in Another Happy Christmas and Elise in the popular series Pørni.
Beyond her screen performances, Alma has also made waves on the stage, recently starring as the lead in the play For ung til å dø (Too Young to Die) at the Det Norske Teatret (Norwegian Theatre) in Oslo. The production, which delves deeplyinto the dreams and challenges faced by teenagers, received positive feedback, with Panorama Agency praising her commanding presence and talent.
Alma is also known for her voice work, having lent her talents as the Norwegian voice of Ezram in Netflix's animated series The Dragon Prince, demonstrating the versatility of her acting skills. Fluent in both Norwegian and English, she connects well with international audiences, which adds to her growing appeal.
While the series presents gripping narratives, it ideally coexists with real-world concerns. The Cumbre Vieja volcano upon which the narrative is loosely based has shown historical patterns of eruptions, making the themes of La Palma even more pertinent. Although the series employs some sensational elements, the warnings from scientists about volcanic activity cannot be dismissed.
Indeed, the narrative stakes of La Palma raise questions about the potential for natural disasters. When discussing the catastrophic possibility of the volcano erupting and causing tsunamis, the show references the theory first proposed by scientists Steven N. Ward and Simon Day, which speculated on the disastrous impacts of such occurrences. While their theory suggested the potential for massive tsunamis, newer research indicates more modest expectations. According to the United States Geological Survey, modern studies suggest the potential for smaller-scale collapses and wave heights more manageable than initially proposed. These insights are important as they provide clarity amid sensational depictions and help demystify fears surrounding such natural events.
With high viewership numbers since its debut, La Palma has quickly become one of Netflix's notable offerings. Although it's presented as fiction, the emotional and scientific elements underpinning the series add depth and relevance to its storytelling.
For those interested in following Alma Günther’s career and keeping up with her work, she can be found on Instagram, where she shares insights and moments from her life. Meanwhile, La Palma is now streaming on Netflix, inviting viewers to witness the gripping interweaving of personal drama and geological threat.
