Sea monsters, remote coastlines and a fisherman with a haunted past. Netflix’s six-episode limited series Below sounds like pure creature-feature fun. The truth is a little more complicated: it is better at drama than at terror, and that may surprise you.
Below: Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Series | Below |
| Format | 6-episode limited series |
| Creator | Jesse McKeown |
| Star | Josh Hartnett as Calvin Penney |
| Co-stars | Charlie Heaton, Rohan Campbell, Ruby Stokes, Mackenzie Davis |
| Setting | Snook’s Arm, Newfoundland |
| Rating (What’s on Netflix) | 3 out of 5 |
The Setup
In the remote town of Snook’s Arm, a mysterious sea creature begins terrorising the locals. Josh Hartnett plays Calvin Penney, a stubborn but good-natured fisherman and ice harvester, still haunted by his father’s death decades ago. Around him is a colourful family: daughter Mary, sons Jay and Wade, and Mary’s boyfriend Noah. Mackenzie Davis joins as marine biologist Fonda Howander.
Strange events soon pile up. A life is lost, an enormous iceberg appears out of nowhere, and a flamingo washes ashore far from its natural home. It is a spooky, isolated start that Josh Hartnett handles with ease, given his earlier experience in small-town horror.
What Works?
The scenery. This is the first Netflix drama filmed entirely in Newfoundland, and it shows. The rugged coastline and dramatic landscapes make the series a visual treat.
The creature. Rather than a cosmic, Lovecraft-style god, the monster is a giant squid grounded in science. It is fast, powerful and capable of capsizing boats, but smaller than the mythical kraken. The show also leans on local folklore, a smart choice for a place with a long history of storms and tragedies.
The action set pieces. From a floating house toppled in the opening scene to a tense submarine hunt, the big moments deliver. Three different directors each get a chance to shine.
The family drama. This was the reviewer’s favourite part, and it is easy to see why. In a community this small, everyone knows everything, and that pressure shapes each character. Wade feels like an outsider, Jay gets tangled with dangerous lenders, and Noah is adjusting to a closed culture, while Calvin holds everyone together.
What Doesn’t?
Despite the premise, true edge-of-your-seat horror is rare, with the claustrophobic submarine sequence being the main exception. A hallucinogenic bacteria in the drinking water adds an unsettling twist, but it also pulls attention away from the creature itself.
The ending is the most divisive part. Instead of the explosive showdown most viewers expect, the finale takes a bold, sympathetic turn. It is a noble attempt and works almost like a parable about animal welfare, but it may disappoint anyone hungry for over-the-top monster action.
Conclusion
Below is a character-driven drama wearing a monster movie’s clothes. If you want maximum thrills, Netflix’s Under Paris is the bigger, louder option. If you prefer emotion, atmosphere and a family worth rooting for, with just about enough sea-monster action, this one is worth a watch.
For more streaming reviews and recommendations, keep reading Technosports and explore our latest entertainment updates.
FAQs
How many episodes does Below have?
It is a limited series with six episodes, filmed entirely in Newfoundland.
Is Below very scary?
Not especially. It has a few tense scenes, but it focuses more on family drama than pure horror.
