Josh Hartnett battles sea monster in Netflix horror

Prepare to dive into a chilling blend of small-town mystery and creature horror, because Netflix has just unveiled the first teaser trailer for Below, a new limited series set to premiere on October 8th.

This gripping project brings together the talents of Josh Hartnett, Charlie Heaton, and Mackenzie Davis to explore the rugged, isolated world of Newfoundland.

The story centers on Calvin Penney (Hartnett), a fisherman whose life is complicated by a mysterious death from decades past. When an unidentified sea creature begins haunting his hometown, Calvin must rally his close-knit community to survive the escalating terror. To confront this threat and uncover the island’s buried secrets before it consumes them all, he teams up with a visiting marine researcher (Davis).

What makes Below so compelling is its unique cocktail of genres. It masterfully weaves local folklore and heart-warming community bonds with thrilling suspense and genuinely unsettling creature horror. The series dives deep into the theme of family, change, and the inevitable forces that shape a place—both terrifying and beautiful.

The production team drew heavy inspiration from the dramatic coastline and rugged landscape of Newfoundland. Creator Jesse McKeown sought out this unique environment to give the series a truly distinctive visual identity.

Rather than relying heavily on elaborate soundstages, the filmmakers chose to immerse themselves in the actual setting. The actors brought the story to life by connecting with the local culture directly. Hartnett spent time talking to locals, and both actors immersed themselves in the local maritime environment, spending hours out on the open ocean.

To capture authentic Newfoundland flavor, the cast engaged deeply with the regional history. Hartnett learned the island’s lore by talking to fishermen and exploring the waters, while Heaton connected with the community by meeting locals in neighborhood bars. This commitment resulted in richly textured performances grounded in real-world experience.

For Mackenzie Davis, the project offered a fresh narrative that tapped into her love for suspenseful partnerships. She described the dynamic between herself and Hartnett as being like two “buddy cops” solving a mystery, highlighting the show’s smart, propulsive, and funny tone.

The final result is a limited series that doesn’t just deliver scares; it provides a deeply human exploration of what happens when the familiar world confronts the unknown. Get ready for Below, where the wild beauty of the coast meets terrifying secrets.