Netflix’s latest release, NR. 24 (also known as Number 24), might already be on your radar if you’re a fan of foreign language films and historical dramas. The original film, which premiered on the streamer on New Year’s Day, quickly garnered praise from critics and audiences alike. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the John Andreas Andersen-directed story immerses viewers in the tense world of Eastern European politics, showcasing Nazi forces invading and occupying Norway. Naturally, fans have been curious as to whether Number 24 is a fictional tale woven into history or a factual retelling of true events. Luckily, we’ve got you covered, with a comprehensive guide to the movie’s plot, narrative and characters, as well as their correlation to actual historical events.

We can confirm that NR. 24 draws directly from the history books, as the film tells the incredible true story of Gunnar Sønsteby. Sønsteby was a pivotal figure in Norway’s resistance movement, who operated under the codename Agent 24 during the Nazi occupation, and faced numerous ethical dilemmas as he fought off German invaders and homegrown fascists alike. To get a full understanding of Sønsteby’s commitment to the cause, let’s unpack the life and times of the Rjukan-born hero and see how they correlate to the intense narrative of Number 24.

Who Was Gunnar Sønsteby?

Sønsteby was one of the most significant figures in the entire resistance movement. As a young man, he attended a prestigious business school in his nation’s capital city, Oslo, where he also completed one year of mandatory military training in accordance with Norway’s laws. After graduating, Sønsteby began work as an accountant but quickly joined the Norwegian Resistance forces after the nation’s military surrendered to a Nazi invasion. As seen in the film, Sønsteby was responsible for working alongside a secret British military unit operating within Norway to undermine the Nazi occupation, while also distributing anti-Nazi press materials to the general public. The Special Operations Executive team gave Sønsteby the Agent 24 moniker, which stayed with him as he progressed up the military resistance ladder.

In real life and on-screen in Number 24, Sønsteby would go on to launch the Oslo Gang along with a number of his childhood friends. Historians have since referred to the group as being one of the best and brightest Nazi resistance forces Europe has ever seen. Together, they were able to smuggle priceless artifacts and currency printing plates out of Norway before the German forces could seize them, save numerous captured soldiers from facing torture and of course, kill enemy combatants who were collaborating with the Nazis to undermine the resistance. One of the key themes is the ethical complexity of Sønsteby’s role, as measures had to be taken by him and his team to remain under the radar. The unpacks the ways that war impacts the average citizen’s sense of morality and desensitizes the mind to violence and death.

After the Events of ‘Number 24,’ Where Is Sønsteby Now?

Thanks to his brilliant forging abilities, Gunnar Sønsteby survived the war by creating dozens of fake IDs for himself and others. Once the German occupation dissipated, he was hailed as a hero by the Allied powers and awarded Norway’s highest military decoration. Both British and Norwegian intelligence agencies sought his services in the wake of World War II, though Sønsteby felt that his war efforts had taken a toll on his life. Instead, he moved to the United States, where he worked for a study program in Boston, Massachusetts’ Harvard Business School. Despite his feelings toward war, Sønsteby volunteered to give lectures and dissertations on his resistance methods for the rest of his life, educating soldiers of the future about the horrors of the Nazi regime.

In 2012, Gunnar Sønsteby passed away at the age of 94. He lived just long enough to see a statue erected in his honor in his hometown of Rjukan, which hails him as the region’s greatest hero. Obviously, Number 24 doesn’t cover every single aspect of Sønsteby’s life and the film takes several liberties with his story to create a concise and compelling narrative. Still, the film manages to perfectly encapsulate the war hero’s quick thinking, calm demeanor and ethical probity. With any luck, the film’s true story will lead more Netflix subscribers to research Sønsteby’s life and work to bring his efforts to the forefront of a whole new generation.