Netflix has released a new six-episode mystery thriller titled *Below*, set in the rugged fishing communities of Newfoundland, Canada. The series follows Calvin Penney (played by Josh Hartnett), a fisherman and ice harvester who confronts an unknown sea creature threatening his small coastal town. The show combines elements of family drama, folklore, and supernatural suspense, drawing heavily on Newfoundland’s unique maritime culture and history.
Created, written, and showrun by Jesse McKeown—known for his work on *The Umbrella Academy*—*Below* was filmed entirely on location in Newfoundland, foregoing sound stages and green screens. McKeown emphasized the production’s practical approach, using real boats, prosthetics, and traditional effects to capture the island’s harsh environment authentically. He described Newfoundland as a difficult but fitting backdrop, shaped by its treacherous weather, deep-rooted Celtic influences, and rich history of maritime tragedy and unexplained phenomena.
The narrative opens with a sequence portraying the Newfoundland Resettlement Program, a government initiative that, beginning decades ago, relocated residents from remote coastal outposts to larger communities. This historical episode sees a young Calvin escaping a sinking family home as it is transported across the Atlantic Ocean—a vivid image familiar to many Newfoundlanders. The program’s legacy remains relevant as the local community of Snook’s Arm faces renewed pressure to resettle amid environmental and economic challenges, including climate change and depleted fisheries.
Calvin stands firmly against leaving Snook’s Arm, opposing government resettlement efforts voiced during town meetings. His family saga unfolds against the backdrop of a community wrestling with its future. The return of scattered former residents for local celebrations highlights the cultural resilience and distinct identity of the island’s inhabitants.
The mysterious element of the series intensifies when Calvin brings a piece of ancient, ammonia-scented ice to marine biologist Fonda Howander (Mackenzie Davies), who identifies it as containing strange organic matter. Shortly thereafter, unusual events escalate: a massive blue iceberg appears in the harbor, a Portuguese fishing vessel disappears, and Calvin’s son Wade (Charlie Heaton) vanishes. The show maintains suspense by initially keeping the sea creature itself unseen, favoring an atmospheric buildup grounded in realistic depictions of coastal life.
McKeown has cited various influences, including atmospheric 1980s horror films like John Carpenter’s *The Fog* and *The Thing*, as well as the cosmic horror of H.P. Lovecraft, combined with the region’s folklore and maritime anxieties. The series blends genre conventions with a strong sense of place and cultural specificity, which some viewers may find challenging initially due to the heavy local dialect.
*Below* presents a blend of mystery, folklore, and family drama set against the harsh but captivating landscape of Newfoundland’s coast. It underscores both the physical and existential threats facing remote communities, intertwining real-world concerns with a fictional tale of deep-sea terror. The series is now available for streaming on Netflix.