This fall, Netflix is betting on something far more chilling than zombies, vampires, or serial killers. Its new six-episode thriller Below takes viewers to a place where fear is born in the dark, freezing waters of the ocean. Leading the fight against the unknown is Josh Hartnett, the actor whose career comeback has placed him back at the center of some of Hollywood's biggest projects.
The first trailer already promises an intense experience, blending the atmosphere of Jaws, the tension of True Detective, and the eerie mystery of Canada's Atlantic coastline.
A nightmare rising from the depths
The story unfolds off the coast of Newfoundland, a rugged island where the ocean dictates the rhythm of everyday life. Calvin Penney, played by Josh Hartnett, is a stubborn fisherman who has spent his entire life at sea while carrying the burden of his father's mysterious death decades earlier.
But the past is about to return in a far more terrifying form.
An unidentified sea creature begins attacking people in the coastal waters, throwing the small fishing community into chaos. As more fishermen disappear, it becomes clear that this is neither folklore nor coincidence.
A hero who refuses to back down
Calvin is not a typical action hero. He is quiet, stubborn, and trusts his instincts more than anyone else's advice.
When the threat reaches his family, he joins forces with a marine researcher who arrives on the island to investigate the strange events unfolding beneath the waves.
Together, they race to protect not only Calvin's son but the entire community before the creature claims more victims.
More than a horror story
The creators say Below is much more than a monster thriller.
The series explores themes of:
- family secrets;
- loss and guilt;
- life inside a tight-knit coastal community;
- change reaching even the world's most isolated places.
Rather than existing solely for scares, the supernatural mystery becomes a way to reveal the characters' deepest fears and motivations.
Newfoundland becomes a character of its own
One of the biggest reasons to watch Below is its unforgettable setting.
Rocky coastlines, dense fog, icy Atlantic waves, and lonely fishing villages create an atmosphere that feels every bit as powerful as the show's visual effects.
Here, the ocean feels alive—beautiful, majestic, and terrifyingly dangerous.
When does it premiere?
Below will make its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) before arriving on Netflix.
The series launches globally on October 8, 2026.
