Netflix’s Number 24: The Extraordinary True Story of a Norwegian Resistance Hero Fighting Nazi Occupation

World War II has inspired countless films, but Number 24 brings viewers a powerful story of courage, sacrifice and resistance through the experiences of a Norwegian man who risked everything to fight Nazi Germany. Now streaming on Netflix, the acclaimed war drama has earned a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, drawing praise for its gripping storytelling and unflinching portrayal of wartime choices.

Directed by John Andreas Andersen and starring Sjur Vatne Brean as Gunnar Sønsteby, the film follows the real-life resistance fighter from 1940 through the end of World War II. Its title comes from one of Sønsteby’s most frequently used code names, reflecting the secrecy and danger that defined his work.

At the centre of the story is the Oslo Group, whose resistance operations included sabotage and assassinations targeting the German occupation. The film frames these events through an older Sønsteby, who recounts his wartime experiences during a lecture to students, moving between his memories and the perspective of a man reflecting on the past.

Critics Praise the Film’s Unflinching Portrayal of War

Critics have highlighted the film’s intense action, moral complexity and exploration of human behaviour under extreme pressure.

One reviewer praised Andersen’s direction for delivering a gripping and often violent thriller based on Sønsteby’s life, highlighting both the best and worst aspects of humanity.

Another focused on the film’s examination of the difficult moral choices faced by people living under a brutal occupying force. By moving between past and present, the story considers the uneasy boundary between justice and necessity during wartime.

A third critic described the film as largely patriotic in its portrayal of a man devoted to his duty, noting that its uncompromising approach makes for a stirring viewing experience, even through a deliberately narrow perspective.

Viewers Applaud the Lead Performance

Audiences have been equally enthusiastic, with particular praise for Sjur Vatne Brean’s restrained portrayal of Sønsteby.

One viewer described the performance as exceptional, highlighting how the actor conveys the character’s determination and quiet intensity through subtle expressions rather than lengthy speeches. The result, they argued, is a convincing and compelling depiction of a man whose resolve speaks louder than words.

Other viewers have praised the film for inspiring them to learn more about Sønsteby and Norway’s wartime resistance. Some also recommend paying close attention to the closing subtitles, which contain additional information about the story.

For others, the film’s greatest strength lies in its emotional impact and its exploration of how war affects individuals, families and an entire nation. Viewers have also commended its realism, acting and direction, as well as its portrayal of Norwegian patriots resisting occupation.

A World War II Story Worth Discovering

Through Sønsteby’s experiences, Number 24 explores the personal cost of resistance and the difficult decisions that emerge when a country comes under attack. Its combination of historical events, intense action and moral reflection offers a perspective on Norway’s wartime struggle that audiences may know less about.

For viewers interested in real-life resistance stories, the film provides an opportunity to explore the experiences of a man whose courage became part of Norwegian history.

** Number 24 is available to stream on Netflix.**