Netflix's new supernatural thriller Below has shot straight to the top of the streaming platform's UK charts, becoming its number one most-watched series just one day after all six episodes were released. The show, set in a small Newfoundland town in Canada, follows residents of Snook's Arm as they are menaced by an enigmatic sea creature.
Familiar faces lead the cast
The ensemble is headed by Josh Hartnett, who portrays Calvin Penny, often called Cal. Audiences first meet the character as a 10-year-old in the programme's eerie opening sequence. This distressing incident from Calvin's youth carries through several of the series' themes, including a conversation with his son in which Calvin reveals he believed his family was cursed from that moment onwards.
Despite this, he continued to work as a fisherman, striving to keep his community and family going even as most of his children moved away. His past resurfaces to torment him through a mysterious and highly dangerous marine creature. Hartnett describes his role as 'gruff' and immersed himself in Newfoundland's heritage and traditions while preparing, despite not being Canadian himself.
Viewers will recognise Hartnett from previous roles including 2024's horror film Trap, as well as television appearances in Black Mirror and The Bear, and earlier films such as Black Hawk Down, Lucky Number Slevin and 30 Days of Night.
Supporting stars and their roles
Charlie Heaton, known for Stranger Things, plays one of Hartnett's on-screen sons, the one who stayed in their hometown. Though he claims to be supporting his father, he becomes embroiled in various troubles. The Leeds-born actor also appeared in The New Mutants and Industry, and has a principal role in the forthcoming Peaky Blinders sequel series.
Mackenzie Davis takes on Dr. Fonda Howander, a marine biologist who teams up with Calvin to solve the aquatic mystery. Davis modelled her character on real-life Newfoundland-based scientist Annie Mercier. Her past credits include Black Mirror, Station Eleven and Netflix's The Undertow.
Rohan Campbell from Virgin River portrays Calvin's youngest son, Jay Penney, who appears to have flourished since leaving town, though he harbours troubles beneath the surface. Ruby Stokes plays Calvin's daughter Mary Penney, who returns for the Come Home Year celebration with her long-term boyfriend. Stokes has previously appeared in BBC crime drama The Jetty, Bridgerton, The Burning Girls and Lockwood and Co.
Complete cast and streaming details
Willow Kean completes the Penney family as Calvin's sister Ruth, the town's harbormaster, recognisable from Canadian crime drama Hudson and Rex. Natasha Henstridge appears as Jan Hickey, the resettlement officer spearheading a vote that has stirred the town, with previous roles in The Secret Circle and Fallout. Australian actor David Wenham makes a recurring appearance as Steve Bruner, leading a secretive expedition aboard a research vessel; he is known for playing Faramir in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, with further credits in 300, a Pirates of the Caribbean sequel and the biopic Elvis.
Below is streaming on Netflix.
