Why Netflix’s ‘Katla’ Is a Must-Watch Show

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The critically praised supernatural mystery series Katla comes from Iceland and Netflix. Set in the small village of Vík, the show unfolds a year after the Katla volcano erupted, blanketing the area in ash and causing most residents to evacuate. The story centers on the brave few who remained – both locals and rescue workers – and the frightening, otherworldly events they encounter amidst the volcanic landscape and suffocating ash. It’s a criminally underrated gem.

Premiering on June 17, 2021, Katla is an eight-episode series that expertly blends Icelandic folklore with a gripping, suspenseful story. Created by Sigurjón Kjartansson (Trapped) and Baltasar Kormákur (2 Guns, Everest), the show received overwhelmingly positive reviews for its deliberate pacing and moving portrayal of loss and grief. It’s a rare Netflix title with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and deserves a place on your watchlist.

‘Katla’ Weaves a Spine-Tingling Tale of Horror and Mystery


Netflix

The eight-part series Katla is a mysterious and unsettling story set in the actual Icelandic village of Vík, which sits near the Katla volcano. A year after a major eruption, most people have left, but a few remain. The show focuses on those who stayed, particularly Grima (Guðrún Ýr Eyfjörð), a rescuer haunted by the disappearance of her sister Ása during the eruption. She teams up with police chief Gísli Einar (Þorsteinn Bachmann) to investigate what happened.

The village is thrown into chaos when a woman, covered in ash and missing for twenty years, unexpectedly returns looking exactly as she did before she vanished. Even more unsettling, other people, also coated in ash and presumed dead, start appearing. This leads the villagers to wonder if old legends about changelings are true, and they’re forced to face painful memories, grief, and secrets they’ve kept hidden for years. Soon, the reason for these strange reappearances is revealed, triggering a terrifying series of events.

‘Katla’ Is a Must-See for Spooky Lovers Everywhere


Netflix

As a film buff, I was completely hooked by Katla. It’s just drenched in this incredibly unsettling, almost suffocating atmosphere, and the central mystery is genuinely haunting. What really got to me, though, was how the show dealt with the townspeople facing the return of people they’d lost – it’s powerfully done. The whole thing is visually striking, really dark and disturbing, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat for all eight episodes. Those ash-covered figures popping up? Seriously creepy, and the reasons behind their appearances are even more frightening as they’re slowly revealed.

Bringing the series to viewers wasn’t easy. Production started in Reykjavík, Iceland, before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Director Kormákur carefully restarted filming in April 2020, prioritizing the safety of the entire team. This wasn’t new territory for Kormákur, who’s known for tackling challenging conditions to create his films, including Everest, The Deep, and Adrift – all of which involved difficult shoots in harsh mountain and ocean environments. Tesha Crawford, who leads International Originals at Netflix for Northern Europe, shared her thoughts on Katla:

Iceland has served as a popular filming location for many years, and we’re thrilled to showcase its stunning landscapes in a story deeply rooted in Icelandic culture. Collaborating with a director as respected as Baltasar Kormákur makes this project particularly exciting for us.

Netflix’s Katla was the first series produced in Icelandic, and it’s a captivating mystery with a similar vibe to critically acclaimed shows like The Returned and Dark. Like those series, Katla boasts complex plots, constant suspense, and supernatural elements that create a thrilling watch. When it premiered, Katla was a huge success, earning a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a strong 79% audience rating on Popcornmeter. Viewers were particularly drawn to the show’s intriguing depth, its use of Icelandic folklore, and its unexpected twists. New Scientist praised the series in a glowing review, stating:

Katla is a deeply moving thriller. Some episodes, especially the exciting season finale, are incredibly emotional and can really affect you. The story explores grief with surprising and dark twists, making it a show you’ll want to watch again.

If you’re a fan of horror, don’t miss Katla. This original series blends a captivating psychological mystery with intriguing elements of Icelandic folklore. It’s been praised on IMDb, with one viewer calling it a “unique and poetic” series with “magnificent” visuals and strong performances. You can stream Katla now on Netflix.

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2025-11-15 19:18