Is La Palma based on a true story? Explained

The picturesque island of La Palma, part of Spain's Canary Islands, is the backdrop for the dramatic and tension-filled series La Palma. Directed by Kasper Barfoed and co-written by Lars Gudmestad and Harald Rosenløw Eeg, the show takes inspiration from real geological phenomena, including the active volcano Cumbre Vieja, which erupted as recently as 2021.

However, the series is a work of fiction, weaving an imaginary story of ecological catastrophe and human resilience.

With its ensemble cast, La Palma tells the story of a family’s vacation turned nightmare and a team of scientists racing against time to avert a global disaster. The show combines science, suspense, and human drama, raising questions about our relationship with nature and the consequences of underestimating its power.

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Details about La Palma explored

La Palma is not based on a true story. While the island of La Palma and its active volcano, Cumbre Vieja, is real, the narrative of the series is entirely fictional. The creators drew inspiration from real-world events, such as the 2021 eruption of Cumbre Vieja, but used creative liberties to construct a compelling and dramatic storyline.

In reality, the 2021 eruption caused widespread damage to infrastructure and livelihoods in La Palma, however, it did not result in a catastrophic global event as portrayed in the series.

Speculation about a potential mega-tsunami caused by the collapse of the volcano has been a topic of scientific debate, but current research reportedly suggests such an event is highly unlikely for at least the next 10,000 years. The series builds on this hypothetical scenario, adding dramatic stakes to the fictional narrative.

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What happens in La Palma?

The series begins with a tragic accident on the island when a glass-bottomed boat capsizes, killing several tourists. Shortly after, Fredrik (Anders Baasmo Christiansen), his wife Jennifer (Ingrid Bolsø Berdal), and their children Sara (Alma Günther) and Tobias (Bernard Storm Lager) arrive on the island for their annual vacation.

What starts as a promising getaway, complete with a luxurious room upgrade, soon takes a turn for the worse as seismic activity disrupts the island’s tranquility.

Meanwhile, geological researchers Marie (Thea Sofie Loch Næss) and Haukur (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson) discover troubling signs that Cumbre Vieja is on the brink of a major eruption. Their warnings to their superior, Álvaro (Jorge de Juan), are initially met with skepticism, as memories of past false alarms loom large.

However, as earthquakes intensify and the threat of an eruption becomes imminent, the island’s residents and visitors must grapple with the growing danger.

The series escalates as Fredrik and Jennifer’s family become entangled in the unfolding disaster, and Marie and Haukur work against the clock to convince the authorities to take action. The volcanic eruption, depicted in devastating detail, threatens not only the island but also coastal regions across continents, creating a tense and harrowing narrative.

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More details on the real and fictional aspects of La Palma explored

While the show is fictional, it incorporates elements of real-life events, particularly the 2021 eruption of Cumbre Vieja. The eruption lasted from September to December 2021, destroying over 2,000 homes and devastating the island's economy.

The majority of the island's cultivated land, including banana plantations critical to its economy, was rendered unusable. However, thanks to timely evacuation efforts, there was no loss of human life.

In contrast, the series amplifies the potential consequences of such an event, exploring a worst-case scenario where a massive volcanic collapse triggers a global tsunami. The series also touches on themes of accountability and the human cost of natural disasters. Álvaro’s hesitation to raise the alarm reflects the real-life challenges faced by authorities when balancing caution with urgency.

In 2021, the Spanish government’s quick response helped prevent the loss of life, but the eruption caused long-term displacement and financial struggles for many residents. Victims are still fighting legal battles for compensation, underscoring the challenges of disaster recovery.

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Interested viewers can watch La Palma on Netflix.