Netflix's new mystery thriller Below is being hailed by viewers as one of the most binge-worthy shows on the streaming platform. The six-part series, which debuted on October 8, follows a sea monster threatening a small fishing village in Canada, combining an atmospheric small town harbouring dark secrets with a protagonist troubled by his past.
Plot and cast
Below is described as a family drama and suspenseful thriller set in a stunning and isolated part of the world. Netflix's series description states: "A fisherman and a marine biologist team up to protect their community and uncover dark secrets lurking in the deep water."
Josh Hartnett portrays Calvin Penney, a fisherman and widowed father of three who remains troubled by his father's mysterious death. Charlie Heaton of Stranger Things fame plays his restless son Wade. Calvin joins forces with a marine researcher, played by Mackenzie Davis of Speak No Evil and Station Eleven, to "confront the creature and reveal the island's buried secrets before it's too late".
Viewer reactions
Audiences report being captivated from the very first episode by Below's storyline and atmosphere. One Netflix subscriber recently took to Reddit to ask for the best series to binge-watch, saying: "Which series can y'all suggest? I love mind bending series such as black mirror & squid game, but also crime / drama series."
"Below," said one user. "It's new and a one season series. I binged the whole thing in a weekend." To which another replied: "I just binged this yesterday day. Really enjoyed it."
A viewer posted on Rotten Tomatoes: "I was so hooked by the opening scene, the grey atmosphere, the visual of a house being towed across the water, the sound of the engine, the creaking house, the tension building... absolute perfection. Loved every minute of that first episode. The ending didn't work for me. It's like it was a rewrite or they flat out had no idea how to land the plane, so to speak. That said, I'd watch a second season. Such a unique part of the World."
Mixed opinions on the ending
Conversely, some viewers have complained that the show loses its way midway through. As one remarked: "Like other people here said, it started out pretty good and after episode three got completely lost."
One viewer chimed in, writing: "Kept us entertained all the way through. A bit of silly stuff - it is about a giant squid, after all. But everything about it was just done so well, we [easily] overlooked that. Characters, location and story really well done. Very [strong] sense of place. More of this kind of show please."
"I wish it ended as well as it started, but overall a fun watch and good to see Josh back in the game," another remarked.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, the general critical consensus reads: "Below features the classic tropes of better creature features but uses its limited time wisely, ensuring all who dive in come out the other end thoroughly thrilled."
Where to watch
All six episodes of Below are available to stream on Netflix. Viewers will need a Netflix subscription, with prices beginning at £7.99 per month, in order to tune in.
