What is La Palma on Netflix all about? The Norwegian disaster drama explained

La Palma on Netflix is a Norwegian disaster drama series that has quickly gained popularity since its release on December 12, 2024. The production is set against the La Palma island.

Directed by Kasper Barfoed and co-written by Lars Gudmestad and Harald Rosenløw Eeg, La Palma explores the impending threat a volcanic eruption presents for not only the island but the entire globe.

The series follows a Norwegian family vacationing on the island during the Christmas season, unaware that a looming volcanic disaster threatens to change their lives forever. The family has to fight for survival amid anarchy as geological scientists find concerning indicators of a catastrophic eruption. The family's attempts to escape lead to an exciting journey of survival as earthquakes rock the island and a huge tsunami threat develops.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers. Reader's discretion is advised.

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All about La Palma: The Norwegian disaster drama

The series is a thrilling disaster drama that takes place on the picturesque island of La Palma. The calm beauty of the island contrasts strikingly with the approaching peril. The show starts with a sad incident involving visitors on a glass-bottomed boat, signifying the start of an approaching disaster. The story moves to Fredrik, his wife Jennifer, and their two children, who are on their annual vacation.

Fredrik and his family experience a stroke of good luck when they get a room upgrade at their favorite hotel. However, their vacation takes a turn for the worse when geological researchers Marie and Haukur discover signs that the volcano on the island is on the brink of eruption.

Their findings suggest that a volcanic eruption could trigger the largest tsunami the world has ever seen, threatening not just the island but the entire global community.

The time-pressed researchers have to persuade their superiors and colleagues to act right away. The family must negotiate a sequence of life-threatening events, including an earthquake, volcanic ash, and the approaching tsunami, as the activity of the volcano rises. Tension rises as well.

The eruption could cause a massive mountain-sized mass to plummet into the ocean, triggering waves that would devastate continents. The urgency to escape becomes the central focus as the family struggles to survive amidst the chaos.

Despite the frightening premise, the series is entirely fictional. The series is set on the real La Palma island and draws inspiration from the active Cumbre Vieja volcano. The Cumbre Vieja did erupt in 2021, but the events on the island take creative liberties to create the narrative rather than recounting actual historical events.

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Who’s in the cast of the series?

Cast of the series (Image via Netflix)

The cast and the characters of the show include:

• Anders Baasmo Christiansen as Fredrik, a teacher and Jennifer’s husband
• Ingrid Bolsø Berdal as Jennifer, Fredrik’s wife
• Alma Günther as Sara, Fredrik and Jennifer’s daughter
• Bernard Storm Lager as Tobias, Fredrik and Jennifer’s son
• Thea Sofie Loch Næss as Marie, a doctoral student at the La Palma Geological Institute
• Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as Haukur, a researcher at the La Palma Geological Institute
• Jorge de Juan as Álvaro, a scientist and Haukur’s boss

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What makes the series different from other disaster dramas?

The series stands out due to its ability to blend personal drama with high-stakes disaster action. The show doesn’t just focus on the eruption; it also delves deeply into the relationships and emotional journeys of the characters.

One of the highlights of the show is its visuals. The island’s landscapes serve as a striking contrast to the catastrophic events unfolding. The volcanic eruption scenes and the shots of the looming threat of a tsunami add an intense touch to the series' dramatic visuals. The use of visuals amplifies the sense of urgency and danger.

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La Palma is available to stream on Netflix.