Netflix has added a new disaster series to its catalog that seems to be captivating viewers. With Christmas fast approaching, many of us will be spending more time in front of our screens, lulled by hearty meals and festivities. But Netflix understands this well: not everyone wants to be satisfied with the same Christmas films over and over again. Thus, an apocalyptic series, ideally designed for binge-watching, has been added to the service’s offering.
The Palma four-part Norwegian series, immerses viewers in a disaster adventure that follows the story of a family heading to the Canary Islands for a sunny Christmas vacation. But nature has other plans for them. Young scientist discovers disturbing volcanic activity coming from the volcano Old Summitthreatening not only The Palm but also the entire surrounding ecosystem. According to the synopsis, if the volcano erupts, a mountain mass the size of Manhattan could collapse into the sea, causing the largest tsunami the world has ever seen. The question then arises: will the family manage to escape this natural disaster made of ash, gas and lava in a fight for survival?
The cast brings together actors like Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal (seen in Westworld), Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (who starred in The Me) et Thea Sofie Loch Næssbringing a touch of credibility to this disaster story.
An Appetite for Existential Drama During the Holidays
The idea of launching a series disaster just as families are preparing to celebrate Christmas may seem surprising. Yet it seems many of us have an appetite for a little existential drama in addition to the traditional turkey feast. After all, in 2021, the apocalyptic film Don’t Look Up enjoyed great success after its release in December, quickly climbing to the top of the viewing charts.
Currently, The Palm turns out to be a particularly addictive for the spectators. She occupies second place on the list of most watched series today, proving that fictional tales about the destructive power of nature still have some appeal. The series also generates many reactions on social networks. One user even called the series a “great surprise on Netflix,” giving it a rating of “10/10.”
A series that divides viewers
But not everyone was convinced by The Palm. Some spectators had difficulty digesting certain twists and turns in the scenario. “I looked The Palm on Netflix and it was really nul. How can you survive a tsunami on a plane? »wrote a disappointed viewer. Another added that some scenes felt like they were “manipulating viewers’ emotions,” calling some episodes “rage bait,” a tactic that seeks to elicit excessive reactions.
Despite these criticisms, it is clear that the series has found its audience, especially among those looking for a little cataclysmic drama outside of the traditional stories of Noël. For others, the series could well become a sort of guilty pleasure, perfect for long winter evenings, where we seek to combine chills and reflection on the fragility of our world.
