Netflix’s newest addition, a Norwegian-produced series, is causing quite a stir among viewers, many of whom have dubbed it ‘so binge-worthy’ and confess to ‘yelling at the TV’.
Rapidly captivating audiences just days since its release on the streaming giant, La Palma presents an unconventional holiday drama just in time for the festive season.
The gripping synopsis offers a chilling scenario: “It’s Christmas and high season when a Norwegian family checks into their favourite hotel on the island of La Palma. But beneath the idyll, a danger lurks. A young Norwegian scientist discovers alarming signs about the volcano located in the centre of the holiday paradise. She must convince her colleagues that the worst-case scenario is about to happen. If the volcano erupts, a mountain mass the size of Manhattan might erupt into the sea and cause the largest tsunami the world has ever seen. Will the family manage to escape the disaster of ash, gas and lava in a fight for their lives?”
Climbing rapidly within the UK’s top-watched list on Netflix, La Palma currently snags the third spot, trailing behind the newly added spy thriller Black Doves and the dark comedy No Good Deed.
Though set against the backdrop of the Canary Islands- indeed home to the active Cumbre Vieja volcano – the show’s tales are purely fictional. Despite the real-life eruption in 2021, the show’s cataclysmic events are entirely imaginative, reports the Mirror.
Though still awaiting sufficient critic reviews to achieve an official Rotten Tomatoes rating, the public has been quick to air their views. One enthusiast who’s zipped through every episode claimed: “This show is SO binge-worthy. The visuals are absolutely stunning, and it’s exciting from start to finish. Loved it.”
Another viewer was in agreement about the show’s aesthetics, stating: “La Palma delivers stunning visuals, compelling characters with each there own unique stories, and nonstop suspense throughout the series. It’s an exciting, well-crafted mini-series that keeps you hooked from start to finish.”
A third chimed in with their surprise enjoyment: “The show was a positive surprise for me. I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I did. Well written and directed and a nice overall message on climate change. Some scenes were too slow and redundant but overall I definitely recommend it, if you enjoy the genre.”
Not all feedback has been glowing, however, with some audience members identifying downsides, particularly around certain aspects of the storyline. Complaints ranged from pacing issues to frustrating plot decisions, leading one fan to exclaim: “Lots of me yelling at TV – ‘get out of there now, why doesn’t that plane take off?, don’t get off that plane.'”.
Yet another viewer confessed to being emotionally moved by the series, sharing on X: “I’m over here balling my eyes out and rose over here just a humming ..10/10.”
La Palma is streaming on Netflix.