Netflix’s “Outstanding” WWII Drama Reveals The Extraordinary True Story Of Norway’s Most Daring Resistance Hero! Based on real events, Number 24 follows Gunnar Sønsteby, a young Norwegian who risked everything to fight Nazi occupation and eventually led the legendary Oslo Gang. Starring Sjur Vatne Brean, this gripping film brings to life dangerous sabotage missions, incredible acts of courage and the sacrifices behind Norway’s resistance movement. One man. A nation under Nazi occupation. And a remarkable true story that deserves to be remembered.

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‘Number 24’: Netflix’s Norwegian WWII Drama Tells the Story of a Legendary Resistance Fighter

Netflix brought Number 24 (Nr. 24) to international audiences on January 1, 2025, introducing viewers to the extraordinary wartime story of Gunnar Sønsteby, one of Norway’s most celebrated resistance heroes.

Running for almost two hours, the Norwegian film follows Sønsteby from his early days as an apprentice in Rjukan to his rise as a leading figure in the resistance against Nazi Germany. When German forces invaded Norway, he made the decision to fight back — a choice that would place him at the centre of some of the country’s most daring underground operations.

The film traces his journey towards becoming the leader of the Oslo Gang, a resistance group responsible for numerous acts of sabotage against the occupying forces. Through Sønsteby’s experiences, Number 24 explores the courage, risks and determination behind Norway’s fight for freedom.

Sjur Vatne Brean Leads the Cast

Sjur Vatne Brean takes on the role of Gunnar Sønsteby, portraying the resistance fighter during his younger years. The supporting cast includes August Wittgenstein, Lisa Loven Kongsli, Ines Høysæter Asserson, Per Kjerstad and Mark Noble.

The film was directed by John Andreas Andersen and first reached Norwegian cinemas in October 2024, ahead of its worldwide Netflix release. In most international territories, including the United States, it was presented as a Netflix Original.

Netflix also released a dubbed trailer and first-look images ahead of the film’s streaming debut, giving international viewers an early introduction to the Norwegian production.

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Norwegian Critics and Audiences Respond Positively

By the time Number 24 arrived on Netflix, Norwegian audiences had already had the opportunity to see it in cinemas. Early reactions were encouraging, with the film receiving an IMDb audience rating of 8.1 out of 10 at the time of the original report.

Norwegian publication Filmpolitiet praised its traditional storytelling approach, noting that the film avoids unnecessary stylistic flourishes. Its strong performances, detailed cinematography and thought-provoking themes were highlighted as key elements of an effective and emotionally resonant war drama.

VG.no also responded positively, describing the film as a well-told story with the pace of a thriller and a restrained directorial style. The review singled out the performances of Hivju and Vatne Brean.

Together, these early responses helped establish Number 24 as a notable Norwegian production for viewers interested in historical dramas and true stories from the Second World War.

Another Nordic WWII Story Coming to Netflix

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Number 24 was not the only Nordic production about the Second World War on Netflix’s 2025 slate. The streamer had also announced The Swedish Connection, a Swedish film based on the true story of Gösta Engzell.

Played by Henrik Dorsin, Engzell was a Swedish diplomat who, together with his team, developed a plan to deceive the Nazis and save thousands of Jewish people. The film also stars Sissela Benn, Jonas Karlsson and Johan Glans.

Both productions bring different chapters of wartime history to the screen, focusing on individuals who took extraordinary risks in the face of Nazi persecution.

How to Find More WWII Films on Netflix

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Viewers looking for more Second World War stories can explore Netflix’s dedicated category using the platform’s hidden genre code 70023. The code provides a shortcut to the service’s collection of films in the WWII category.

Number 24 arrived on Netflix on January 1, 2025, following its theatrical release in Norway. With its account of Gunnar Sønsteby and the Oslo Gang, the film offers an opportunity to discover a significant chapter of Norwegian history through the experiences of one of the country’s most famous resistance fighters.