Netflix’s newest thriller surrounds the mystery and tension that fills the lives of the remaining townsfolk of a small community in southern Iceland following the subglacial volcano. Katla is one part thriller, one part folklore and entirely immersed in the Nordic tradition of storytelling.

The series has a post-apocalyptical slant as, following the eruption a year previous, most residents of the small town fled for safety. Those who remained are superstitious and on guard as old legends and questions seem to rise with the waters of the Markarfljot River. Curious happenings occur with little to no explanation and mystery layers on top of mystery as the townspeople struggle to carve out a new life for themselves in this unfamiliar landscape.

Critics have had mixed reviews of the series. Some are enthralled by the story and the cinematography while others find the pacing of the episodes to be as glacial as the icebergs that pass on by. Either way, Katla is turning heads and gaining traction.

Jonathon Wilson of Ready Steady Cut praises the cast for their performances. “A large cast of characters sell both the hardships of the existence that those in Vik are experiencing thanks to the environmental devastation of the volcano and the traumas unearthed by the various people and predicaments that emerge from it,” he says in the June 16, 2021 review of Katla.

Archi Sengupta of Leisure Byte has a different take on the series. He believes “the series is slow to a disadvantage” and it “borders on boring as there are just so many things that it juggles with but not at an equal pace.” That being said, Sengupta notes in his June 17, 2021 review that the series does have some interesting twists and boasts a haunting presence that keeps interest when the story lags.

Whether critics love it or pan it, there is nothing but pride in Iceland for this homegrown series. While many of the cast and crew are well-known in the Nordic film industry, this is the first time Netflix has partnered with Icelandic film makers to produce a series for the platform.

The show’s creator, Baltasar Kormákur, worked with his writing partners, Sigurjón Kjartansson, Davíð Már Stefánsson and Lilja Sigurðardóttir to put together a thriller that has elements of folklore, science fiction and a touch of dark mystery. It all comes together for a unique yet compelling series.

I’ll be making space on my watchlist to binge this international gem. You should to! Check out Katla, now streaming on Netflix.