Attention: This article contains light spoilers for both La Palma and The Impossible.
Introducing La Palma: A Compelling Addition to Netflix’s Catalog
Netflix has just released the miniseries La Palma on December 12, 2024, and it rapidly captivated audiences, affirming its place among the platform’s top performers. Featuring a diverse cast of Norwegian actors—some veterans and some newcomers—this series is dubbed in English to reach a wider audience and enhance its accessibility.
La Palma unfolds around a family vacationing amidst the stunning landscapes of La Palma, one of Spain’s Canary Islands. However, their seemingly perfect getaway is shattered when a volcanic eruption unleashes a colossal 80-foot tsunami, thrusting them into a harrowing survival scenario. This thematic similarity to past disaster films aligns La Palma with earlier cinematic portrayals of chaos and catastrophe, notably The Impossible, which stars Ewan McGregor and Tom Holland.
Comparing La Palma with The Impossible
Shared Themes of Family and Disaster
Much like La Palma, The Impossible presents a heartfelt story of a family vacationing in a beautiful locale—this time, Khao Lak, Thailand. The film’s characters include Henry (played by Ewan McGregor), Maria (portrayed by Naomi Watts), and their three children, Lucas (Tom Holland), Thomas (Samuel Joslin), and Simon (Oaklee Pendergast).
The narrative in The Impossible mirrors that of La Palma, as both families unwittingly face impending disaster. While the characters in La Palma begin to notice signs of the approaching tsunami, their transition into chaos is nonetheless dramatic. In contrast, the tsunami in The Impossible strikes with no forewarning, shattering the illusion of safety and plunging the family into a frantic fight for survival.
For those who appreciated La Palma, The Impossible serves as a fitting follow-up. The 2012 film heightens the tension by introducing the disastrous event without prior buildup, allowing viewers to experience the same shock and horror as the film’s characters. It also delves deeply into the aftermath of the calamity, offering a vivid depiction of survival against all odds.
Exploring the Factual Basis of the Stories
True Events vs. Fictional Narratives
Notably, The Impossible is grounded in the real-life narrative of a family caught in the devastating 2004 tsunami that struck Thailand. Their involvement in the filmmaking process lends a level of authenticity that distinguishes it from the fictional account presented in La Palma.
However, it’s essential to recognize that while La Palma is not based on a specific true story, it draws from genuine geographical realities. The Canary Islands, where the series is set, have a history of volcanic activity. Scientific studies, such as those conducted by the University of California Santa Cruz, suggest that the island has the potential to face significant geological events similar to the catastrophes depicted in the miniseries.
Films and series within the disaster genre often play with factual accuracy for dramatic purposes. Nevertheless, this heightens their allure, creating compelling narratives that captivate audiences. Fans of La Palma are highly encouraged to check out The Impossible, as both offer gripping portrayals of human tenacity amidst disaster.
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