Gríma (Guðrún Eyfjörð) lives beside a strange volcano
Lilja Jonsdottir
This review contains minor spoilers for Katla.
Katla is a Netflix original series that takes place in a community living near a glacial volcano that has been erupting for over a year. However, the story goes beyond the threat of a disaster. When people presumed dead or missing begin to reappear covered in ash, the plot takes a mysterious turn.
The series takes viewers on a supernatural journey, blending elements of folklore and sci-fi to showcase the impacts of grief and trauma. Written by Baltasar Kormákur and filmed in the Icelandic coastal town of Vík, which overlooks the real-life Katla volcano, the show offers a unique setting.
In the first episode, multiple storylines are introduced. A woman covered in ash emerges out of nowhere, another woman struggles with the loss of her sister, and a team of scientists works to understand the changing geology of the volcano.
What sets Katla apart is that no single character or plotline takes center stage. The story of Gríma (Guðrún Eyfjörð) and her father Þór (Ingvar Sigurdsson) is one of the first to be introduced, hinting at the significance of Gríma’s missing sister Ása (Íris Tanja Flygenring).
However, by the second episode, the appearance of the enigmatic woman Gunhild (Aliette Opheim) takes the story down another intriguing path. It is revealed that Gunhild is the younger version of an existing woman, raising questions about identity and what defines us.
As more ash-covered people emerge from the volcano, tensions within the Vík community escalate. Each new character brings their own traumatic backstory, and the exceptional acting by the cast members adds depth and emotion to the narratives.
The people of Vík are deeply affected by grief, but their coping mechanisms range from denial to obsession, sometimes resulting in gruesome consequences. Gríma’s struggle to come to terms with Ása’s reappearance, after being presumed dead, is particularly harrowing, thanks to Eyfjörð’s powerful performance.
Katla masterfully incorporates subtle foreshadowing, giving viewers a sense of understanding while adding intrigue and mystery with each episode. The final two episodes of the season finally unveil some of the truth about Katla, bringing a satisfying resolution to the story.
By the penultimate episode, viewers become fully immersed in the lives of Vík’s community, almost forgetting about the volcano itself. It is only when the scientists, led by Darri (Björn Thors), venture to study the rocks firsthand that the central role of Katla is remembered.
Although the pace may be considered slow, Katla continuously introduces new characters and story elements to keep audiences captivated. The stunning landscape serves as an immersive backdrop, while the eerie music adds an unsettling atmosphere to the series. Each scene advances the plot, builds tension, or provides foreshadowing.
Katla is a thrilling series that delves into the depths of grief, offering unpredictable dark twists and turns. It is a story that warrants multiple viewings.
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