There are other movies of the year that offer interesting concerns about the environment, the likes of Thrash and Under Paris Sequel (which is under development) – a follow-up to Netflix’s hit 2024 shark thriller Under Paris. This means Below no longer holds the distinction of being Netflix’s first aquatic horror release of 2026
In a limited series that pays regard to the more basic aquatic creature movie of history such as Jaws, created by Jesse McKeown who adds current concerns. Before a mysterious sea beast appears to end what little future the small Newfoundland town holds, it is already in danger of going entirely extinct. The series takes plenty of time to make us fall in love with this community.
The show takes place during “Come Home Year,” a Newfoundland festival that welcomes former community members back to revive connections with family and friends through big gatherings and celebrations. It occurs in the rural fishing village of Snooks Arm. In addition to providing a much greater number of available victims for the aquatic creature hiding in the very waterways that support the economy of the town. it’s an excellent venue for Calvin Penney (Josh Hartnett) to revive his relationship with his children.
The relocation plan resulting in death of his father in 1986 is still a concern, made harder by a lack of funds. A large, polluted iceberg floats into the harbor, creating yet another problem for his collapsing ice-fishing venture. He looks to local scientist Fonda Howander (Mackenzie Davis) for solutions, unknowingly placing them both on the main lines of a fight with an old beast from the underworld that has previously appeared.
As the main characters find the first visible signs of bad activity, Below raises anxiety slowly until giving them its final danger in an approach similar of Jaws. Such clues end up leading to the uncovering of deformed bodies, or at least what’s left of them. Locals continue to be confused by cut up limbs, bloodied scalp parts, and partly chewed moose dead bodies found after reported missing persons. This gradual building process portrays the tight tensions of the Penney clan while giving lots of time to get to know Snooks Arm’s charming, strange behaviours and customs.
Calvin’s daughter Mary (Ruby Stokes) for the first time takes her partner home to meet her father, while his close-related sister Ruth (Willow Kean) serves as the group’s sense of wisdom. Jay (Rohan Campbell), the preferred son, covers up his problems and increasing debts behind his cheerful attitude. The son who remains behind with his father, Wade (Charlie Heaton), finds it hard to keep up to expectations of his father. Given its thin nature, the family drama is strong. The Penneys’ relations and frequent disagreements have a personal nature that makes them seem real and easy to understand.
As the characters seek to take the fight to the monster, the narrative’s gradual building tension, increasing horror, and random terror eventually give way for decisive action. The relationship existing within the family also give the series great emotional weight. Because Snooks Arm is so properly closed off from the external world, its inhabitants are bound to a small space with few ways out. McKeown’s unclear comments about the beast and sudden effects of its presence keep viewers on alert. The way the polluted ice disrupts with everyday life in a society used to taking ice from the water for useful purposes is one particularly strong element.
Although the simplified six-episode design offers a strong, solid story that keeps fans interested, several additional narratives come across as pointless rather than totally pleasing. It’s little frustration which finally leads to barely more than an urge to enjoy a longer period with this strong group. While the creature characteristics factors are very typical, they still have an effect. This delightful aquatic thriller movie is driven by its well-off town and its inhabitants, which show rural communities destroyed by the rich and influential in a disturbing way.
Additionally, McKeown does not allow the environment theme of the show get overly negative. By accepting playful editorial selections and carefully placed comedy, Below has no fear to make fun of itself either. This delightful, distinct series is close to perfection as it is: an exciting, interesting, and unique addition to the aquatic horror-thriller tradition. However, a closing catch leaves the path open for a follow-up.
