‘La Palma’ (2024) Netflix Series Review - How Long Can You Survive?

What would you do if you were vacationing and there was a volcanic eruption? Sounds scary right? This is what La Palma is about. La Palma is a gripping Christmas series that skillfully blends heart-pounding tension with poignant storytelling. Set against the backdrop of La Palma’s picturesque beaches, the series transforms a serene holiday destination into the epicenter of a catastrophic natural disaster, delivering a hauntingly beautiful narrative. Over the course of four tightly crafted episodes, viewers are taken on a dramatic rollercoaster that is as informative as it is thrilling, keeping them on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

At the heart of the story is Marie Ekdal, a dedicated young scientist whose unsettling observations of the island’s geological activity spark concern. Her investigations reveal ominous signs within the cracks of the mountains and caves, pointing toward an impending volcanic eruption. Juxtaposed with her scientific journey is the story of Jennifer’s family, one of many visiting La Palma’s idyllic beaches for a festive holiday. The contrasting narratives of Marie’s escalating urgency and the family’s blissful ignorance heighten the drama, creating a powerful narrative tension as the island’s looming disaster draws closer. Somewhere when you watch this, you may be transported to the movie Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.

The series thrives on this duality, capturing both the scientific and human perspectives of the unfolding calamity. On one hand, Marie’s meticulous research and growing desperation immerse viewers in the technical stakes of the volcanic eruption and its potential to trigger a devastating tsunami. On the other, the holidaying families represent the human cost of such disasters, with their everyday joys and vulnerabilities laid bare. This interplay makes the story deeply relatable, driving home the reality that natural disasters are not just grand spectacles but profoundly personal tragedies for those involved.

Visually, La Palma is stunning. The serene beaches and lush landscapes of the island are rendered with a painterly quality, making the impending disaster all the more harrowing. When the eruption and tsunami sequences unfold, the show spares no expense in delivering breathtaking, terrifying visuals that feel viscerally real. The scale of the disaster is immense, but it never overwhelms the intimate character-driven moments that give the series its emotional heft.

The characters themselves are well-drawn, with Marie and Jennifer’s family standing out as anchors of the narrative. Marie’s determination and Jennifer’s protective instincts bring relatable humanity to the chaos, while their heartfelt moments remind viewers that every statistic in a disaster has a story behind it. Despite the fast-paced plot, these quiet, reflective interludes ensure that the emotional stakes remain front and center.

What sets La Palma apart from other disaster dramas is its balanced approach to storytelling. The series avoids the trap of bogging down viewers with overly detailed scientific exposition while still providing enough context to appreciate the gravity of the situation. The pacing is brisk, moving seamlessly between perspectives and scenarios without losing its gripping momentum.

Performances across the board are commendable, with each actor adding to the tension and believability of the narrative. The creators deserve credit for maintaining a taut, suspenseful atmosphere throughout, making La Palma a binge-worthy series that leaves a lasting impression.

Whether you’re drawn to the spectacle of natural disasters or the emotional depth of character-driven narratives, La Palma is a must-watch that delivers on both fronts.

Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times