What makes La Palma a binge-worthy Netflix series? Explored

The latest Norwegian disaster thriller on Netflix, La Palma, has quickly gained popularity among viewers worldwide, who are calling it extremely "binge-worthy." In just a few days since it came out, the series has won over viewers with its exciting story, pretty scenery, and lots of suspense.

The movie is about a family going to the lovely Spanish island of La Palma for Christmas. They soon find out that their favorite holiday place is in danger because a huge volcano might erupt and destroy the whole island.

When a volcano is about to collapse and could cause the biggest tsunami ever, a young scientist has to hurry to warn the people in charge. But they don't believe her and don't do anything, so everything could be lost. La Palma stands out because it combines a family story with a disaster, high-quality production, and a well-organized plot that makes it perfect for watching all at once.

Let's take a closer look at what makes this series so interesting.

Netflix's ***La Palma*'s most binge-worthy elements**

1. A gripping premise built on real-world fears

La Palma explores one of the most frightening real-life situations: a volcanic eruption in the Canary Islands that lasted for 86 days. The show specifically focuses on the Cumbre Vieja volcano, which became active again in 2021.

Although the series is fictional, it is based on actual geological worries. For instance, the eruption could cause the volcano's western side to collapse, leading to a huge tsunami that might flood the Atlantic coastlines.

Decider says, "The island has been living on borrowed time for 75 years."

It's not a matter of "if" a disaster will happen, but "when." This real-world threat increases the suspense, making the volcanic eruption seem even more dangerous.

The show features a team of scientists, including Marie Ekdal (played by Thea Sofie Loch Næss), who discovers worrying signs inside the mountain but struggles to get the authorities to act. This leads to a growing sense of fear that builds up gradually throughout La Palma.

2. Well-developed characters amidst a looming disaster

Unlike many disaster-themed shows that only focus on the big event, La Palma takes time to develop its characters. The main family in the story is from Norway and consists of Fredrik (played by Anders Baasmo), his wife Jennifer (played by Ingrid Bolsø Berdal), their daughter Sara (played by Alma Günther), and their son Tobias (played by Bernard Storm Lager), who has autism.

La Palma keeps viewers interested by exploring the family's struggles, from relationship issues to individual problems, as the volcano gets closer to erupting. The Irish Star says that the family's story is why this show is so successful.

The show mixes personal problems—such as Fredrik and Jennifer's difficult marriage—with the increasing outside threats. This makes the family's story more emotional, so viewers care more about their struggle to stay alive.

At the same time, characters like Marie, a scientist who could play a big role in stopping the big disaster, give the story a wider perspective. This lets the series show both personal struggles and worldwide dangers.

3. Stunning visuals and non-stop suspense

One of the most impressive things about La Palma is its stunning scenery. The show takes full advantage of the island's natural beauty, showing it in contrast to the danger of the volcano erupting.

At first, the peaceful landscapes, green forests, and bright beaches make the setting seem perfect. But then, the threat of disaster makes the events even scarier. As Decider mentions, the series has a strong visual style that highlights the tension between nature's beauty and its destructive power.

The show is a treat for the eyes. From the glass-bottomed boat trip that suddenly goes wrong to the frightening volcanic eruption and the ash clouds that follow, the production quality is excellent.

The combination of exciting storytelling, fast pacing, and beautiful visuals keeps viewers engaged from beginning to end. Additionally, the series avoids excessive drama or pointless scenes, which is common in disaster movies.

Instead, it keeps the plot focused and increases the tension. It makes sure each episode moves the story forward without any delays. This is what makes the show so compelling, and keeps the audience on edge.