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If you want to immerse yourself in a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Netflix’s latest disaster drama “La Palma” could be just the thing for you. Directed by Kasper Barfoed, this show debuted on the platform last week on December 12th and has already managed to climb the charts, overtaking one of my favorite thrillers of the year, Black Doves.

At the time of writing (December 17th), “La Palma” has climbed into Netflix’s top 10 and landed at number 1. This is actually very impressive for a show that has only been on the streaming service for over four days can be seen, and may not deviate from the top position for a while.

The series follows a determined young scientist as he struggles to warn the world about a massive volcanic eruption that has the potential to cause a global catastrophe. Meanwhile, a Norwegian family must cope with the growing threat of environmental disaster.

If you’re a fan of intense disaster dramas like Chernobyl or The Impossible, you might not want to miss La Palma now that it’s available to stream. But just because something claims to be number one doesn’t always mean it’s worthy. Here you can find out everything about “La Palma” and whether it is worth a place on your watch list.

What is “La Palma” about?

On the picturesque island of La Palma, a tragic accident involving a glass-bottom boat claims the lives of unsuspecting tourists. Shortly afterwards, Fredrik (Anders Baasmo Christiansen), Jennifer (Ingrid Bolsø Berdal) and their children Sara (Alma Günther) and Tobias (Bernard Storm Lager) arrive for their annual trip. The trip seems to start happily as they receive an upgrade to a luxurious room, but their happiness may not last long.

Meanwhile, geologists Marie (Thea Sofie Loch Næss) and Haukur (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson) discover alarming evidence that a massive volcanic eruption is imminent, powerful enough to wreak havoc not only on the island, but on every continent. As La Palma is rocked by earthquakes, Marie and Haukur must persuade their superior Álvaro (Jorge de Juan) to act before it is too late.

What else do we know about “La Palma” now that it’s streaming?

“La Palma” is a four-part disaster show set on the westernmost island of the Canary Islands. Created by Martin Sundland, Lars Gudmestad and Harald Rosenløw Eeg (The Wave) and directed by Kasper Barfoed, the show was co-written by Gudmestad and Rosenløw Eeg. The main roles are played by Thea Sofie Loch Næss, Anders Baasmo Christiansen and Ingrid Bolsø Berdal.

The story takes place on the real island of La Palma, home to the volatile Cumbre Vieja volcano, which last erupted in 2021. Although the drama is fictional, it is based heavily on real events and features intense, realistic action that puts the viewer in the middle of the ecological crisis.

While releasing a disaster series during the holiday season may seem strange, many of us seem ready to enjoy a dose of existential drama alongside our holiday celebrations. Additionally, the show itself is set during the Christmas season, as the family of four visits Spain during the holidays.

Should you stream “La Palma” on Netflix?

If you like thrilling disaster dramas, “La Palma” is for you. could worth a spot on your watchlist. Although it hasn’t received a Rotten Tomatoes rating yet, its audience rating currently sits at 35% (as of December 17), which isn’t exactly rosy.

Many viewers have pointed out problems with the plot, describing it as “plot errors” and criticizing the writing style, although they have praised the “stunning visuals”. However, some fans found it a captivating experience, with comments such as: “I’ve never been more interested in a natural disaster show.”

Based on the two critic reviews currently available on the site, both give positive feedback. Archi Sengupta of LeisureByte said: “La Palma is fun and binge-watch-worthy, allowing us to observe a frightening reality in a compelling way.” Meanwhile, Chris Joyce of Movies and Munchies says that “the character development is uneven and there are some incredible ones.” There are plot conveniences, but the stunning visuals, palpable moral dilemmas and family dynamics make up for the shortcomings, making this not a full-fledged story. “Disaster.”

Due to the mixed reviews, it is difficult to determine whether “La Palma” is one definitely watch for all. However, if you’re interested in stories that explore complex family dynamics and the explosive tension of natural disasters, this series offers both.

Don’t you feel it? Check out what’s new on Netflix this week or stream these miniseries on Prime Video for quality entertainment.

Keep streaming “La Palma”. Netflix Now.

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