Netflix has once again placed a title at the top of its platform that didn't need a massive budget to get noticed. Below is the new miniseries starring Josh Hartnett that combines horror, family drama, and a gigantic sea creature in a small Canadian fishing village.
The six-episode production has become one of the most talked-about releases of recent weeks, not only for its warm reception among the general public but also for the notable distance between the ratings of specialized critics and those of the average viewer.
What is Below about
The story takes place in Snook's Arm, Newfoundland, a remote coastal community whose routine is disrupted when a massive creature from the ocean begins to threaten its inhabitants. Unlike other productions in the genre, the monster does not appear after a scientific expedition, but directly in the place where the protagonists live and work.
Josh Hartnett plays Calvin Penney, a fisherman scarred by the unexplained death of his father years ago. The arrival of the creature not only represents a physical threat but also forces Calvin to face a past he had tried to leave behind.
To deal with the situation, Calvin must collaborate with Dr. Fonda Howander, played by Mackenzie Davis, and her son, Wade, brought to life by Charlie Heaton. None of the three form the ideal team to deal with a threat of such magnitude, which reinforces the sense of vulnerability that runs throughout the series.
Filming in real Canadian locations
One of the most notable aspects of the production is that it was filmed entirely on location in Newfoundland, Brigus South, and Labrador, Canada. The decision is evident on screen: the cold, the humidity, and the sense of isolation are difficult to imitate in a studio.
That physical environment provides credibility even when the visual effects necessary to bring the giant squid that stars as the threat come into play. The contrast between the apparent calm of the sea and the constant tension that something could emerge at any moment is one of the series' best-utilized resources.
Josh Hartnett’s role in the series
Josh Hartnett's presence is, according to many of the reviews collected, one of the main reasons why the show works beyond the simple creature spectacle. His character provides enough dramatic weight to sustain the moments when the monster is not on screen.
The series, created by Jesse McKeown, also introduces elements related to climate change and the economic fragility of fishing communities, seeking to ensure that the marine threat has consequences that go beyond the immediate scare.
Critics and audience, divided
The reception of Below is particularly striking due to the contrast between specialists and viewers. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series has an approval rating of around 87% among critics, while the audience score is approximately 52%.
Among the most favorable opinions, Hartnett's performance, the use of natural locations, and the series' ability to offer direct entertainment without artificially stretching the plot are highlighted. The harshest criticisms point out, among other aspects, the cast's regional accents, which have generated conflicting opinions, and a certain feeling that the story does not move far enough away from the usual clichés of the monster genre.
A duration that works in its favor
With only six episodes, Below opts for a compact format against the trend of stretching plots over eight or ten chapters. That duration allows for the development of the threat, family relationships, and the ecological conflict without resorting to unnecessary subplots.
Below is now available on Netflix, where its short format and its combination of horror, drama, and environmental critique have led it to the top spots on the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Netflix series Below about?
Below tells the story of a fisherman, played by Josh Hartnett, who must face a gigantic sea creature that threatens his small fishing village in Newfoundland, while dealing with a past family trauma.
How many episodes does Below have?
The miniseries consists of six episodes.
Where was Below filmed?
The series was filmed entirely on location in Newfoundland, Brigus South, and Labrador, Canada.
What is the rating of Below on Rotten Tomatoes?
The series has an 87% approval rating among critics and 52% among the audience, reflecting a notable division in its reception.
Who plays the main characters in Below?
Josh Hartnett plays Calvin Penney, Mackenzie Davis plays Dr. Fonda Howander, and Charlie Heaton plays Wade.
Is Below available on Netflix?
Yes, the series is already available on Netflix and has become one of the most-watched titles on the platform.
