“La Palma” is a Netflix limited series starring Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Anders Baasmo Christiansen, and Thea Sofie Loch Næss. It is created by Martin Sundland, Lars Gudmestad, and Harald Rosenløw-Eeg.
As the holiday season approaches, Netflix serves up a reminder that catastrophe doesn’t take a Christmas break. The Norwegian miniseries “La Palma” brings a tsunami to the island of Palma, proving that volcanoes don’t check the calendar before erupting.
This four-part series follows the classic disaster movie formula, now adapted for the small screen with a distinctly Norwegian flavor. The story revolves around a team of Norwegian scientists who discover that Palma’s volcano is on the brink of eruption. Coupled with a perfect storm of meteorological and seismic conditions, the stage is set for a massive tsunami.
At its core, “La Palma” doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. It treads familiar ground, reminiscent of the disaster flicks that gained popularity in the ’60s and ’70s. The premise is simple: a colossal, unstoppable force threatens to wreak havoc, and humanity can only brace for impact.
The series centers on a family grappling with marital tensions, a common trope in the genre. From the get-go, viewers know exactly what they’re in for – there are no surprises here. The narrative unfolds predictably, with the impending disaster looming large over every scene.
While “La Palma” doesn’t aim for Hollywood-level spectacle, it takes a more grounded approach. The focus is on character proximity and psychology rather than grandiose special effects or melodramatic performances. However, this character-driven approach falls somewhat short, as the protagonists lack the depth or compelling conflicts needed to truly engage the audience.
The pacing might test viewers’ patience. The series takes its time to build up, with the real action only kicking in midway through the second episode. This slow burn approach might not satisfy those expecting non-stop thrills from the outset.
In its attempt to be a serious, logical portrayal of a disaster scenario, “La Palma” sacrifices some of the spectacle that genre fans might crave. The visuals, while competent, don’t push any boundaries. Instead, the series relies on a coherent and reasoned narrative progression to drive the story forward.
Ultimately, “La Palma” is a by-the-numbers disaster series that prioritizes plausibility over pizzazz. While it may not leave viewers on the edge of their seats, it offers a solid, if unremarkable, addition to the disaster genre. For those intrigued by international productions and willing to weather a slow start, this Norwegian take on catastrophe might be worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to make waves in the realm of disaster entertainment.
Where to Watch “La Palma”
