Netflix's 'Below' Offers a New Take on Aquatic Terror
A review of the new Netflix series that pits a remote fishing village against a colossal, boat-crunching squid.
Netflix's new series 'Below' offers a chilling aquatic thriller, drawing comparisons to the classic film 'Jaws' but featuring a colossal, man-eating squid instead of a shark. The show, reviewed by Roland White for the Daily Mail, has earned a rating of four out of five stars.
The series is set in the picturesque fishing village of Snook's Arm in Newfoundland, a location described as reminiscent of the fictional town Cicely, Alaska, from 'Northern Exposure.' The narrative kicks off in 1986 with the Penney family facing a perilous resettlement.
A Mysterious Disappearance and a Sinister Discovery
The opening scenes depict the Penney family in a small boat, towing their home as they journey to their new location. Their house snags on something unseen beneath the water, prompting father Leo to investigate. His exploration leads to a tragic event that deeply traumatizes his young son, Calvin. Calvin glimpses a vaguely threatening shape under the water, an image that would haunt him for decades.
Forty years later, an adult Calvin, portrayed by Josh Hartnett, operates his own fishing boat. His work involves collecting ice, but a peculiar, foul-smelling iceberg he retrieves sets off a chain of disturbing events. A local scientist analyzes the iceberg and discovers it is not water but solidified mucus from an unknown, ancient entity.
Unraveling the Mystery
As the story progresses, questions arise about a missing Portuguese fishing vessel and its crew, and a discovered human leg that appears to have had its bone marrow extracted. The villagers find themselves divided over potential relocation plans, while Calvin's sons navigate their own challenges. One son is frustrated with managing Airbnb guests, desiring to join his father at sea, while the other receives ominous threats.
'Below' is noted for its suspenseful buildup, with the creature of the deep making its presence known early in the series. The reviewer suggests that the show will instill a new sense of unease for viewers gazing at the ocean's surface, making them wonder about the potential horrors lurking beneath.