Josh Hartnett in Netflix's New Series “Below”

The series "Below" premieres on Netflix on October 8 and is already generating significant interest by featuring actor Josh Hartnett in the role of a fisherman facing an unknown threat at sea. The plot, set in the fictional village of Snooks Arm, Newfoundland, explores the rescue history of families who migrated to the coast, the fish crisis, and the threat of climate change.

Calvin Penney, the Fisherman of Snooks Arm

Josh Hartnett plays Calvin Penney, a big-hearted fisherman who still carries the trauma of his father's mysterious death. His daily work involves catching pieces of polar ice that fall from glaciers and are sold to the local vodka distillery. When one of his "glaciers" results in something more sinister, Calvin realizes something bigger is happening in the water.

An Underwater Threat in Newfoundland

In the official trailer, a narrator describes that "before the accident, you saw something in the water." The creature that emerges from the depths appears to have been crafted from elements of local mythology and cosmic horror, reminiscent of H.P. Lovecraft's tales. The series combines suspense, humor, and family drama, maintaining its focus on the community of Snooks Arm.

The Historical Context of Rescue and Change

Jesse McKeown, the series creator, contextualizes the plot in an era when Newfoundland fishermen were forced to move to growth centers. The resettlement program, still in effect, is depicted in a village assembly debate about accepting or rejecting the provincial government's relocation proposal.

Production and Visual Effects

The production relies on real-location filming, the use of authentic boats, and prosthetics to create the creature. The visual effects team, led by Matt Glover of Mr. X, combines CGI with old Hollywood techniques to maintain the horror atmosphere. The series adopts a "less is more" approach, focusing on characters and community while the terror silently builds.

What to Expect from the Series

"Below" promises to blend John Carpenter's aesthetic with a Lovecraftian mood, while addressing themes of family, community, and climate change. Audiences can expect an experience that mixes cosmic horror with working-class drama, all set against the waters of Newfoundland.

With information from Deadline, Polygon.com.