A powerful World War Two film is moving audiences with its extraordinary true story of courage, sacrifice and resistance against Nazi Germany. Netflix’s Number 24 has earned widespread praise for bringing the remarkable life of Norwegian resistance fighter Gunnar Sønsteby to the screen.

Released on Netflix on January 1, 2025, the Norwegian biographical drama follows a young man whose life changes forever when Nazi Germany invades Norway in April 1940. Played by Sjur Vatne Brean, Sønsteby begins as an ordinary young man but soon makes a decision that will place him at the centre of one of the most dangerous resistance movements in the country’s history.

As the occupation tightens its grip, Sønsteby joins the fight against the Nazis, eventually becoming a leading figure in the Oslo Gang, a resistance group responsible for daring sabotage operations against the occupying forces.

But the fight for freedom comes at a devastating price.

Forced to live under constant threat of discovery, Sønsteby and his fellow resistance fighters face impossible choices, deadly missions and the knowledge that one mistake could cost them everything. The film explores not only their bravery but also the psychological toll of living through war, when trust becomes fragile and survival can depend on split-second decisions.

Directed by John Andreas Andersen, Number 24 takes a compelling approach to its historical subject by moving between Sønsteby’s wartime experiences and his later reflections on the events. Erik Hivju portrays the older Sønsteby, who revisits his past while speaking to a group of students, creating a powerful connection between the sacrifices of an earlier generation and the lessons that must be passed on.

The film has struck a chord with viewers who have praised its gripping storytelling, emotional depth and realistic portrayal of resistance under occupation. Its reception has also been impressive on Rotten Tomatoes, where it has received strong scores from both critics and audiences.

Rather than relying solely on spectacular battle sequences, Number 24 focuses on the difficult moral questions that emerge during wartime. It asks what people are willing to sacrifice for freedom — and whether the choices made in the name of resistance can ever be separated from their tragic consequences.

For anyone interested in true stories from World War Two, this is far more than another war film. It is a reminder of the extraordinary courage of those who risked their lives to challenge tyranny, and of the human cost behind the history books.

With its intense missions, emotional performances and unforgettable central character, Number 24 offers a moving tribute to a man whose determination helped shape Norway’s fight for freedom.