Review of Below: A Chilling Dive into Small-Town Horror
If you found yourself captivated by Widow’s Bay, it’s time to turn your attention to Netflix’s Below, featuring Josh Hartnett and Mackenzie Davis. This thrilling series is set in the isolated coastal town of Snook’s Arm, Newfoundland, where mysterious events disturb the local fishermen. The plot centers around fisherman Calvin “Cal” Penney (Hartnett) as he navigates the return of his family and the threat posed by an unseen sea creature.
Plot Overview
Below explores the precarious balance of life in a fishing community celebrating its “Come Home Year.” The return of Cal’s children—Jay, Mary, and the adventurous Wade—brings warmth but also exposes them to the frights lurking beneath the water. As fish disappear and tourists go missing, Cal teams up with ocean researcher Fonda Howander (Davis) to confront the terrifying truth that the entire town is endangered by a malevolent being lurking in the deep.
Homage to Jaws
The series draws clear inspiration from classic monster films like Jaws, particularly in its setup and character dynamics. Cal and Fonda’s partnership mirrors that of Captain Quint and Matt Hooper, though Cal’s character is more family-oriented than the hardened Quint. The tension mounts as the show artfully conceals the sea monster, building suspense with clever jump scares and terrifying glimpses of the creature.
Community and Climate Themes
The strength of Below lies in its portrayal of the Newfoundland community. The series doesn’t shy away from addressing real-world issues such as climate change and resettlement, grounding the horror in relatable social dilemmas. The looming possibility of resettlement adds stakes to the narrative, intensifying both the internal conflicts and the threat of the creature.
Visual and Narrative Craftsmanship
Visually stunning, Below offers breathtaking shots of icebergs and underwater chaos that enhance the storytelling. The series captures not only the physical beauty of Newfoundland but also the emotional stakes involved in the community’s fight for survival against both external and internal threats.
In conclusion, Below is a compelling blend of horror and drama, seamlessly merging supernatural elements with contemporary themes. The show is now streaming on Netflix—dare to dive in?
