La Palma is a Norwegian disaster drama miniseries inspired by the Cumbre Vieja tsunami hazard hypothesis and partially based on the 2021 Cumbre Vieja volcanic eruption.[1][2][3] The series, primarily filmed on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands,[4] also includes scenes shot in Tenerife.[5] The plot follows a Norwegian family on vacation in La Palma as they confront chaos when researchers uncover signs of an imminent volcanic eruption that could trigger a catastrophic tsunami.
Though the series' portrayals are fictional, Cumbre Vieja is real, being the most active volcano on the island of La Palma, with eruptions recorded as far back as 125,000 years ago. It erupted in 2021, following previous blowups in 1971 and 1949.[6]
Cast and characters
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Anders Baasmo Christiansen | Fredrik |
| Ingrid Bolsø Berdal | Jennifer |
| Alma Günther | Sara |
| Thea Sofie Loch Næss | Marie |
| Bernard Storm Lager | Tobias |
| Ólafur Darri Ólafsson | Haukur |
| Jorge de Juan | Álvaro |
| Ruth Lecuona | Anna |
| Armund Harboe | Erik |
| Jenny Evensen | Charlie |
| Iselin Shumba Skjæveslandn | Karin |
| Thorbjørn Harr | Jens |
Source: Screen Rant[7]
Reception
The series has garnered mixed reviews.[8] It has generated criticism, especially in Spain, and more specifically in the Canary Islands. A lack of accuracy in the representation of facts has been pointed out, especially with regard to the scientific argumentation, the eruption, and the megatsunami, which have been the subject of debate.[9][10]
Viewers criticised the perspective of the story, which narrated the events from the point of view of Norwegian tourists, relegating the local perspective to secondary or supporting roles.[11]
The story of the family's teenage daughter, whose plot twists have been described by some as absurd, has also been criticised.[11]
Notes
- ^ with some dialogue in English and Spanish
References
- ^ "Is 'La Palma' getting a season 2 on Netflix?". UPROXX. 17 December 2024. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
- ^ Pilley, Max (17 December 2024). "'La Palma' ending explained: who dies and who survives?". NME. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
- ^ Kinsella, Rudi; Harris, Peter (16 December 2024). "New Netflix series that's 'so binge-worthy' leaves viewers 'yelling at the TV'". Irish Star. Archived from the original on 16 December 2024. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
- ^ Greco, Patti (18 December 2024). "Is 'La Palma' on Netflix Based on a True Story?". Parade. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
- ^ "Is 'La Palma' Based on a True Story? All About the Real-Life Island's Active Volcano — and the Last Time It Erupted". People.com. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
- ^ Ostby, Ingrid (19 December 2024). "La Palma: Is It True? What to Know About the Disaster Series". Netflix.
- ^ Ngulube, Memory (18 December 2024). "La Palma Cast & Character Guide". ScreenRant. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
- ^ "La Palma: Season 1 – TV Reviews | Rotten Tomatoes". rottentomatoes.com. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
- ^ Pichel, José (20 December 2024). "Una catástrofe sin precedentes en La Palma: la serie (a)científica que arrasa en Netflix" [An unprecedented catastrophe on La Palma: the (a)science series taking Netflix by storm]. El Confidencial (in Spanish). Retrieved 19 February 2025.
- ^ F. Arozena, José (20 December 2024). "'La Palma' de Netflix: entre la ficción catastrofista, el debate científico y el impacto turístico (con algún spoiler)" [Netflix's 'La Palma': between catastrophist fiction, scientific debate and tourist impact (with a few spoilers)]. Eldiario.es (in Spanish). Retrieved 19 February 2025.
- ^ a b R. Moreno, Diego (24 December 2024). "Polémica y críticas a 'La Palma', la serie de Netflix" [Controversy and criticism of the Netflix series 'La Palma']. La Provincia (in Spanish). Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Retrieved 19 February 2025.
