New Netflix Series Below Premieres with Captivating Opening Scene

A new six-episode thriller series titled Below is now available on Netflix, and it begins with one of the most captivating opening scenes of this year's TV offerings.

The prologue takes viewers back to 1986 in Newfoundland, where a family uproots their lives by relocating their entire home onto a barge that is steered across a bay by a lone motorboat. This visually striking scene effectively grounds the story and sets the tone for its horror elements.

Below's opening scene is notable not only for its eerie atmosphere but also for how it makes the rest of the series' outlandish plot more believable. The imagery of a house being moved on a barge is based in reality, as Newfoundland has seen several government-sponsored resettlements over the decades, resulting in similar scenes being documented online.

The use of real-life events and settings in Below's story is an intentional choice made by its creator, Jesse McKeown, who aimed to balance authenticity with entertainment value. While some aspects of the series may feel contrived or predictable, others manage to capture the essence of life in Newfoundland.

One way McKeown achieves this balance is through the use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) and practical effects to bring the story's fantastical elements to life. This approach allows for a mix of realistic settings and absurd plot twists that never feel too far-fetched or unbelievable.

Below features an ensemble cast, including Josh Hartnett, Mackenzie Davis, Charlie Heaton, Natasha Henstridge, Willow Kean, and Ruby Stokes, who all play complex characters with distinct personalities. However, some viewers may notice that certain accents and characterizations seem forced or unnatural.

The series' Newfoundland setting is also used to explore themes of community, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. While Below's plot may take some liberties with reality, its creators have clearly done their research on the region's culture and history.

The show's narrative picks up momentum as strange occurrences begin to plague Snook's Arm. A Portuguese fishing vessel goes missing without a word, leaving behind only unanswered questions. Meanwhile, Calvin Penney brings in a chunk of ice that is deemed too oily and smelly for the local vodka company's use.

As these events unfold, Calvin starts to notice an eerie presence lurking beneath the surface. His concerns are further amplified when he discovers a massive iceberg has appeared in the harbor overnight. The town's residents are caught off guard by this sudden development, and their initial shock gives way to unease as more people begin to vanish.

The disappearances are soon followed by gruesome discoveries - limbs start washing up on shore, leaving behind an unsettling trail of destruction. Calvin is torn between his loyalty to the community and his growing sense of unease about the strange happenings in Snook's Arm. His family members, including his sister Ruth and son Wade, become increasingly entangled in the mystery.

The town's precarious existence comes into sharp focus as tensions rise among its residents. A looming vote on whether to relocate to a less remote area gains momentum, with a new threshold of 75 percent support required for the community to abandon Snook's Arm altogether. Calvin and his family are now at the center of this pivotal decision.

The stage is set for a thrilling showdown between Calvin and an unseen force that threatens to destroy what remains of the struggling town. With each passing episode, the stakes rise, drawing viewers into a world where the boundaries between reality and myth blur.

The marine zoologist Fonda Howander is the only person who takes Calvin's concerns seriously. She begins to investigate what seems to be a mysterious creature lurking in the waters off Snook's Arm. As she delves deeper into her research, it becomes clear that something is indeed amiss.

Speculation about the nature of the creature runs rampant among locals and visitors alike. Some think it might be a whale or a shark, while others believe it could be an alien or even a sea monster from mythological tales. However, one thing is certain: its presence has brought fear to the community.

The annual Snook's Arm reunion weekend has arrived, bringing with it many events scheduled for beaches and piers. But given the circumstances, this may not be the best time for families like Calvin's to gather and enjoy the festivities. His daughter Mary and son Jay are among those returning to town, unaware of the danger lurking in the waters.

Natasha Henstridge plays Janet, a character who initially seems out of place but eventually serves an important purpose. Her role is not immediately clear, leaving viewers wondering if she will play a key part in uncovering the truth about the mysterious creature.

The series boasts a picturesque backdrop, with filming taking place in and around Newfoundland. The region's unique culture and history are woven into the narrative, including details about previous relocation programs and the impact of climate change on blue-collar maritime life.

The show's use of accents is noteworthy, featuring a blend of Irish, Scandinavian, and Canadian influences that might sound unfamiliar to some viewers. However, interviews with actual Newfoundland fishermen reveal that such accents are not uncommon in rural areas, adding another layer of authenticity to the series.

The performances from Josh Hartnett and Alan Heaton have drawn some attention for their attempts at Newfoundland accents in Netflix's Below. While it's possible that their portrayals may not be entirely accurate, they do bring a level of commitment to the roles.

Hartnett, in particular, has been on a career resurgence in recent years and brings a sense of gravitas to his character. His portrayal of a haunted leading man is convincing, especially when he performs nautical stunts. However, there are moments where his accent slips into something more cartoonish.

A more noticeable aspect of the show's casting is the age difference between Hartnett and Stokes, who plays one of Calvin's children. The fact that Hartnett's character has 20-something kids makes him appear older than he actually is in real life. This detail may not sit well with some viewers, particularly those from younger generations.

Stokes' performance as a young woman dealing with supernatural trauma has drawn comparisons to the film CODA. Her portrayal is notable for its restraint, especially when contrasted with some of the more over-the-top elements of the show.

The character of Davis, a scientist who appears in several key scenes, is another standout element of Below. While her accent may be more polished than Hartnett's and Heaton's, she brings a sense of wonder to her role as a Hooper-esque figure learning about supernatural creatures.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the show's cast has been tasked with bringing a unique set of characters to life. While some aspects of their performances may be more convincing than others, they all contribute to the overall sense of tension and unease that pervades Below.

The arrival of David Wenham's character Steve adds a much-needed dynamic to the show, bringing with him a gregarious personality that helps shift the tone of the series.

While Below doesn't aim to be a comedy in the classical sense, it does manage to balance out its more serious moments with lighter ones, creating a sense of camaraderie among the characters that feels authentic.

The rapport between the cast members is one of the show's strongest aspects, with their interactions often veering into humorous territory without feeling forced or contrived. This warmth and familiarity also helps to create tension in certain scenes, making the viewing experience more engaging.

One notable aspect of Below is its restraint when it comes to showing the creature, due in part to technological limitations. As a result, we're often left with glimpses of oversized appendages and orifices, which while sometimes comical, can also be unsettling.

The show's decision to prioritize filming locations over elaborate special effects pays off in terms of atmosphere and authenticity. The underrepresented regions of Newfoundland add depth and character to the story, making it feel more grounded than some might expect from a creature feature.

Despite its limitations in terms of creature design, Below still manages to deliver moments of low-budget zaniness and even gore that are sure to raise eyebrows. While these bursts of intensity can be jarring at times, they also add to the show's overall sense of unpredictability.

The show's momentum is fueled by Mark Korven's score and an eclectic soundtrack that perfectly complements the on-screen action. The Waterboys' "Fisherman's Blues" bookends the series, adding a touch of whimsy to the otherwise suspenseful narrative.

The conclusion is both satisfying and open-ended, leaving room for potential future development if Netflix decides to revisit the story in a second season. Despite initial reservations, the show has proven itself to be a pleasant surprise, offering more depth and complexity than expected.