La Palma
Netflix
Premiere: December 12
La Palma is a so-called miniseries, which in practice is often a slightly long film divided into episodes. This series has four episodes and follows Norwegian tourists experiencing a volcanic eruption in the Canary Islands.
throughout the episodes, the tourists, a Norwegian family, encounter everything from familial challenges to larger problems. Additionally, we meet a Norwegian researcher, Spanish supporting characters, and a decent cast of roles around the family.
The series begins with a rather typical Norwegian family arriving at a somewhat typical hotel in La Palma. dad Fredrik (Anders Baasmo) and mom Jennifer (Ingrid Bolsø Berdal) instantly face a small challenge with their hotel room and rental car not being ready.
It quickly becomes clear that it is not just the volcano that is stirring. Daughter Sara (Alma Günther) and son Tobias (Bernard Storm) become pawns in a game that soon involves a handsome Spaniard and quite normal relationship challenges.
The family vacation is an annual event,but mom has started exercising and dad wants to drink beer. The children are growing older, and everything is simmering beneath the surface.
Photo: Manolo Pavón (Netflix)
La Palma delivers on multiple fronts
The first part of the series,however,puts significant focus on Marie (Thea Sofie Loch Næss) and Haukur (Ólafur darri Ólafsson),who are respectively Norwegian and Icelandic researchers studying the volcanic activity on the island.
One strength of the series is that it attempts to tell multiple stories together.This can also be said to be the greatest advantage of miniseries format. There is a bit more time to build up, expand, and tell. Just as a good Easter crime story is somewhat better as it allows you to get to know all the potential suspects, this series lets you get acquainted enough with the characters.
Thea Sofie Loch Næss plays a young Norwegian researcher on the island.
Photo: Manu Sevillano (Netflix)
Additionally, there is room for small, individual stories about the people you meet. This means that when tension arises, which it does, you care just a little more.
Of course, it’s not a very advanced story in an action-packed series, but there’s more than enough story for you to care.
Photo: Manu Sevillano/netflix
It literally delivers on multiple fronts.
La Palma is great entertainment
See clips from the series below:
First and foremost,this is great entertainment. We have seen disaster films for many years, but there haven’t been too many attempts to create miniseries in the same format.
While “The Wave” and “The Quake” were exciting and entertaining Norwegian films, series tackling similar themes have often been somewhat heavier (“Chernobyl” is an excellent example of a very good miniseries that is also heavy and dramatic).
La Palma manages to be just sufficiently Hollywood-entertaining, good enough in its Norwegian aspects, close enough to the common challenges the family faces, and exciting enough all the time that this truly is delightful escapism. Simply a disaster film in series format.
Netflix with tension from start to finish
As it should be in a good disaster film, you also get an emotional engagement that makes you care in this series.Sometimes the volcano is just a backdrop.
Photo: Jan Richter-Friis/Netflix
La Palma delivers solid tension from start to finish, with an extraordinary balance between gripping family drama and grand disaster scenes. The series is both easily accessible and surprisingly deep, with strong performances and a script that engages without becoming overly clichéd.
A series that keeps you on the edge of your seat – and lingers in your thoughts long after. it is more than good enough.
recommended for anyone who loves quality drama mixed with nerve-racking action. A series that large parts of the family can watch in excitement together. A small warning: Possibly not the series to watch if you plan to go to the Canary Islands this winter.
Time.news Interview: Exploring the Fiery Heart of “La Palma” with Dr. Ingrid Larsen, Volcanologist
Editor (Emily Choi): Welcome, Dr. Larsen! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the upcoming miniseries “La Palma,” which premieres on Netflix December 12. This four-episode series follows a Norwegian family during a volcanic eruption in the Canary Islands.As a volcanologist, your insights will certainly add depth to this conversation.
Dr. Ingrid Larsen: Thank you for having me, Emily! I’m excited to share my thoughts, especially since the series touches on volcanic activity—a topic close to my heart.
Emily: To jump right in, how accurately do you think “La Palma” represents volcanic eruptions based on your expertise?
Dr. Larsen: From the trailer and synopsis,it seems like the writers have done their research. The portrayal of a family caught in the chaos of a volcanic eruption is a unique angle. It humanizes the science behind volcanoes. However, it’s crucial to note that volcanic eruptions don’t just effect the immediate surroundings; they have wider implications including ash fall, air quality issues, and even climate effects.
Emily: Absolutely, and the series seems to delve into familial challenges alongside these external issues.How do you think a natural disaster can strain family dynamics?
Dr. Larsen: Natural disasters like volcanic eruptions can exacerbate existing tensions and create new stressors. In “La Palma,” we see a typical family vacation turning into a crisis. The father wanting to enjoy a beer while the mother is focused on exercising might symbolize the classic struggle between leisure and looming danger. Children, like Sara and tobias in the series, can feel caught in the middle, navigating both personal relationships and the chaos around them.
Emily: That dynamic is certainly relatable, especially as the children grow older. What do you make of the choice to include a Norwegian researcher and an Icelandic researcher as characters?
Dr. Larsen: I think that’s an excellent decision.It showcases the collaborative nature of scientific research, especially in volcanology where expertise from different regions is essential. The mix of characters allows the series to explore the scientific perspective, which adds a layer of realism. Additionally,seeing characters from various backgrounds dealing with a shared crisis underscores the global nature of environmental issues.
emily: The series signals that the family vacation is an annual event, but with the parents facing personal changes—like the mother’s exercise commitment and the father’s desire to relax. How does this tap into the real-life experiences of families dealing with change or crisis?
Dr.Larsen: Family vacations often serve as a microcosm for life’s broader issues.While the external turmoil of a volcanic eruption is dramatic,the internal family dynamics—like the shift in roles and priorities—are equally compelling. As family members grow, their interests frequently enough diverge, leading to conflicts but also opportunities for growth. The series might touch on these themes, showing that personal challenges continue, even amidst dramatic external events.
Emily: Very insightful! Lastly, from a scientific perspective, what message do you hope audiences take away from “La Palma”?
Dr.Larsen: I hope that viewers come away with a greater understanding of the power of nature and our relationship with it. Volcanic eruptions are not just spectacular events; they are reminders of our planet’s dynamic systems. the excellent storytelling in “La Palma” can definitely help inform audiences about the importance of planning and respect for nature’s power, while also emphasizing the human elements of resilience and connection.
Emily: Thank you, Dr. Larsen, for sharing your expertise and insights on “La Palma.” We look forward to its premiere and the conversations it sparks around family dynamics and natural disasters.
Dr. Larsen: Thank you, Emily! I can’t wait to see how the series unfolds, and I hope it resonates with many viewers.