Overview
A Norwegian family vacationing on La Palma faces disaster when a young researcher discovers alarming signs of an imminent volcanic eruption.
What critics are saying
La Palma is generally regarded as a taut, binge-worthy disaster drama that excels in pacing and visual spectacle. Many critics appreciate its four-episode structure, noting that the series maintains high levels of tension while delivering "terrifyingly beautiful" imagery of volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. It is frequently compared to classic disaster films, with fans of the genre likely to find it highly enjoyable.
However, critical reception is not uniform. While some reviewers praise it as the most gripping series of the year, others find the narrative relies too heavily on clichés, convenient plot devices, and thinly developed characters. Some viewers also noted that certain special effects feel unrealistic and that the scientific elements of the story can feel padded, resulting in a show that some categorize as a serviceable but unoriginal addition to the survival drama genre.
“Easily, the most binge-worthy series of 2024”
“The four episodes of La Palma whizz by in a flurry of spectacular visuals and unbelievable tension.”
“La Palma is a serviceable disaster drama that is worth a quick binge, but it doesn’t do anything new and is a challenge to care much about.”
“A poorly written series packed with coincidences and lucky encounters.”
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La Palma grounds the high stakes of a natural disaster within the intimate frame of a holiday getaway. By centering the tension on a single family confined to a hotel, the miniseries turns a geological threat into a stifling domestic pressure cooker. The contrast between the festive decorations of Christmas and the encroaching reality of a volcanic eruption creates a sharp, unsettling atmosphere that defines the narrative.
Anders Baasmo Christiansen leads a cast that navigates the intersection of routine vacation dynamics and survival instincts. The story avoids the sprawl of larger disaster epics to focus on the specific, quiet panic that sets in when researchers identify tremors beneath the Canary Islands. It is a calculated study of how quickly a planned escape can transform into a struggle for safety.
Cast
Crew
Similarity
Where La Palma overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.
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Shows built around the same subject matter.
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Keywords
Details
- First Aired
- December 12, 2024
- Status
- Ended
- Episode Runtime
- 44 minutes
- Origin
- NO
- TMDB Votes
- 293