The accounts of bravery emerging from the ruins of World War II continue to inspire narratives that go beyond mere historical records, reviving figures who shaped the fate of entire nations. Among these echoes of the past is the story of Gunnar Sønsteby, a strategist of the Norwegian resistance whose legacy inspires “Nr. 24”, directed by John Andreas Andersen. This Netflix production meticulously and intensely reconstructs this fighter’s rise to legend, with Sjur Vatne Brean at the center of a drama that intertwines courage and detachment, audacity and renunciation.
Norway in 1940, under Nazi occupation, is the backdrop where this journey begins. Gunnar, a young economics student and contributor to an underground newspaper, faces the anguish of watching his country succumb to Axis forces. Caught between hope for a swift end to the conflict and the fear of an uncertain future, he finds an unwavering purpose in Milorg, a covert resistance network dedicated to undermining the German presence and paving the way for Norway’s liberation.
However, insurgency comes at a cost. A failed mission in the frozen forests results in a severe case of pneumonia, forcing Gunnar into a two-year hiatus. Though removed from the front lines, he hones his strategic thinking, sharpens his ability to act with surgical precision, and waits for the right moment to return. When he finally reassumes his post, it is under a new identity: as “Nr. 24”, Gunnar is no longer just an opponent of the occupation but one of the Norwegian resistance’s key pillars.
The film’s depiction of his sabotage operations is strikingly precise. Explosions at factories essential to the Nazi war machine, the dismantling of critical infrastructure, and the organization of escape corridors for allied agents are just a few of the missions that cement his status as an unyielding strategist. However, unlike the classic war hero archetype, Sønsteby is portrayed without romanticization. Cold, methodical, and unsentimental, his personality causes friction even within the resistance. This complexity avoids any reductive portrayal — he is both the relentless visionary and the man burdened by the weight of his decisions.
Andersen’s direction, by exploring the psychological toll of this high-stakes game, injects the film with relentless tension. The viewer is kept on edge, feeling the constant imminence of danger as each operation is depicted with raw realism. The dark cinematography, dominated by shadows and a desaturated color palette, reinforces the sense of claustrophobia and urgency. Meanwhile, the soundtrack avoids grand heroic themes, instead opting for a minimalistic, unsettling score that amplifies the psychological pressure experienced by the characters.
Though the narrative is gripping, the film adopts an almost surgical approach to execution, mirroring the protagonist’s modus operandi. This aesthetic choice may distance those seeking a more emotionally driven engagement, but it is a deliberate decision consistent with the central theme: resistance was not driven by emotion but by the brutal necessity of survival and efficiency.
“Nr. 24” goes beyond recounting heroic deeds. It is a meticulous study of the inner workings of the fight for freedom, exposing the impersonal sacrifices demanded of those who dared to challenge a ruthless occupation. The film does not merely retell a story of resistance; it invites the audience to reflect on the human cost of courage, where every action carries consequences that extend far beyond the battlefield. In this sense, it serves as a stark reminder that, in war, victory never comes without scars.
Film: Nr. 24
Director: John Andreas Andersen
Year: 2024
Genres: Biography/Drama/War
Rating: 9