AI Image
Josh Hartnett in Netflix's Fun Sea Creature Series
The Hollywood Reporter • • general
Key Points:
- Netflix’s six-episode thriller Below opens with a striking 1986 Newfoundland scene of a family moving their house by barge, grounding the series in real resettlement history before introducing a mysterious sea creature threat.
- Set 40 years later in the dwindling fishing town of Snook’s Arm, the story follows fisherman Calvin Penney (Josh Hartnett) as strange disappearances and ominous icebergs signal a lurking monstrous presence, with marine zoologist Fonda Howander (Mackenzie Davis) investigating.
- The series balances authentic Newfoundland cultural and environmental details with creature-feature elements, blending suspense and occasional humor, though it avoids strong horror or comedy extremes.
- Performances by Hartnett and Charlie Heaton as father and son are notable despite mixed accent authenticity, while Mackenzie Davis provides a grounded scientific perspective; the show benefits from its evocative Newfoundland setting and soundtrack.
- Below concludes with a satisfying ending that leaves room for continuation, though its initial limited series label suggests Netflix may not pursue a second season despite the show’s positive reception.
