17/40
La Palma 2024: A Volcanic Thriller Gone Wrong
When a Norwegian family sets off on a vacation to the picturesque island of La Palma, little do they know that their getaway will soon turn into a harrowing experience filled with chaos and danger. The film, La Palma 2024, is a dramatic tale centered on the imminent volcanic eruptions that threaten not only the island but also the lives of its residents and visitors. As the plot unfolds, viewers are treated to a rollercoaster of emotions, though many may find themselves questioning the decisions made by the characters throughout the film. Palma has a real history of volcanic activity, making it a fitting backdrop for a story that explores the terrifying consequences of nature’s wrath. However, rather than focusing on the potential for tsunamis — a real threat in volcanic eruptions — the film opts for a more manufactured drama that ultimately detracts from its premise. The story could have delved deeper into the science of volcanic eruptions and the potential dangers they pose, but instead, it relies on the characters’ senseless decisions to drive the plot.
The Family’s Foolish Decisions
One of the most frustrating aspects of La Palma 2024 is the repeated separation of the protagonists’ families. While the first few instances of separation may be understandable, subsequent instances cross the line into absurdity. The family’s inability to stay together in the face of danger only serves to create artificial tension, leaving viewers exasperated and questioning the characters’ intelligence, as the characters make decisions that defy logic and reason. For example, the family decides to stay on the beach even after a tsunami warning has been issued, showing a blatant disregard for their own safety. Furthermore, the decision to leave their loved ones behind to help a stranger they barely know heightens the film’s tension, but ultimately frustrates the audience. Why would anyone put a random acquaintance ahead of their family’s safety during such a catastrophic event, including scientists, doctors, engineers, and politicians, all of whom are portrayed as bafflingly incompetent? Their collective stupidity only heightens the absurdity of the situation, leading viewers to wonder how such incompetent individuals could ever have held their positions. The film’s portrayal of these professionals as incapable of making rational decisions only heightens the cast’s disappointment in their sheer stupidity. The film’s inability to create relatable or intelligent characters makes it difficult to get emotionally invested in their survival. The lack of realism in the character decisions and the overreliance on manufactured drama ultimately rob the film of its potential impact in a way that feels rushed and disjointed. The aftermath of the volcanic eruption and subsequent tsunami is presented without regard for realism, leaving the audience unsatisfied. Instead of a thoughtful exploration of survival in the face of disaster, La Palma 2024 opts for shock value and contrived scenarios that fail to resonate with viewers
Conclusion, while La Palma 2024 had the potential to be an exciting exploration of nature’s wrath, it fails due to its reliance on manufactured drama and illogical character decisions.