Shubhabrata Dutta
Hurricanes and tsunamis/floods are perhaps the most horrifying and devastating natural disasters that serve as reminders of the fact that God may be forgiving but Nature isn’t. Throughout history, these disasters have reigned supreme, claiming the lives of millions of humans and animals across the world and destroying whatever comes in their path. We cannot avoid them but can only be prepared for them while trying to make up for the harm we have caused Nature and hope that Ewya (watch ‘Avatar’) or some other higher power will show mercy. Here, we bring you four hurricane and tsunami movies on Netflix that stress the power they hold while incorporating a humane narrative in the plot.
4. The Stranded (2019- )
Directed by Sophon Sakdaphisit, ‘The Stranded’ is a gripping Thai series that effectively blends a tsunami with the supernatural, thereby claiming a position in this list. It follows a group of privileged students who are stranded on an island named Pintu, where their private school is located, in the aftermath of a disastrous tsunami. Slowly losing hope, they soon encounter their teacher, Professor Lin, who appears changed. Soon, they find out that the island is a gateway, and mysterious forces are at play. Surrounded by water, the students try to figure out the mystery of the island and maybe find a way to leave and reach civilization. The series stars Papangkorn Lerkchaleampote, Chutavuth Pattarakampol, Oabnithi Wiwattanawarang, Chayanit Chansangavej, and Sinjai Plengpanich, all providing their best versions of the characters onscreen. You can stream ‘The Stranded’ here.
3. La Palma (2024)
A small island, a handful of locals and tourists, a volcanic eruption, and a subsequent tsunami. The Norwegian drama miniseries ‘La Palma’ packs all these into a gripping plot that is bound to push you to the edge of your seat as you wait to find out what fate has in store for all the people on the island of La Palma. A sudden volcanic eruption violently shakes up the serenity of the region, throwing everyone down a cauldron of chaos as officials and scientists wonder how to avoid certain death. If the Cumbre Vieja blows up whole and ends up in the ocean, the resulting tsunami will be the biggest in recorded history. The question is not whether it can be stopped but whether the people can be saved. Starring Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal, Alma Günther, Thea Sofie Loch Næss, and Bernard Storm Lager, ‘La Palma’ is created by Martin Sundland, Lars Gudmestad, and Harald Rosenløw-Eeg. It can be streamed here.
2. High Water (2022- )
Created by Jan Holoubek, ‘High Water’ is a gripping Polish series set against the backdrop of the 1997 Central European flood, aka the 1997 Oder Flood. It affected the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany, claiming 114 lives and causing damage worth approx. $4.5 billion. We follow hydrologist Jaśmina Tremer as she tries to handle the crisis in its imminence, occurrence, and aftermath while dealing with her personal issues. The question is: Which is the main priority? Her issues or the people of Wrocław, Poland. The way the series balances the macrocosm of the disaster and the microcosm of Jaśmina’s emotions is commendable. The visuals also play an important part in adding to the show’s urgency. ‘High Water’ stars Agnieszka Żulewska as Jaśmina Tremer, along with compelling performances by Tomasz Schuchardt, Ireneusz Czop, Blanka Kot, and Anna Dymna. You can stream the series here.
1. The Wave (2015)
An underrated disaster movie, ‘The Wave’ captures the horror of a tsunami brilliantly, earning it the top spot in this list. Directed by Roar Uthaug, the film follows Geologist Kristian Eikjord (Kristoffer Joner), based out of the village of Geiranger, Norway, who finds out that an avalanche in the nearby Åkerneset Mountain is about to occur, and it will trigger a huge wave in the Geirangerfjord that will destroy the village. Time is fleeting, and it was supposed to be his last day in Geiranger, after which he would move to a different place with his family and start a new life. Unfortunately, fate has something else in store as the avalanche does hit, and a tsunami makes its way towards Geiranger. Ten minutes are all Kristian has before the wave hits his village. What can he do? Where can he take his family? ‘The Wave’ co-stars Ane Dahl Torp, Fridtjov Såheim, and Laila Goody. You can watch this Norwegian drama right here.
Read More: Best Disaster Movies on Netflix
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