Netflix's mythical thriller Below has drawn criticism from viewers over the cast's accents, with many describing them as "laughable" and "triggering". The six-episode series, shot in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, features actors attempting a Newfoundland accent that has divided audiences.
The show centres on obstinate fisherman Calvin Penney, played by Josh Hartnett, who encounters an unidentified sea creature wreaking havoc on his hometown. Determined to protect his tight-knit community and his son Wade, portrayed by Charlie Heaton, Calvin joins forces with a visiting marine researcher to tackle the creature before it's too late.
Viewers react to the accent
Despite the star power of Josh Hartnett, Charlie Heaton and Mackenzie Davis, many subscribers have been distracted by the accents. Social media has been flooded with reactions, with one viewer exclaiming: "What the hell accent is that?!" Another echoed: "Love the premise and the cast.. BUT the fake accent is triggering me."
One viewer commented: "The show Below is doing real good with the newfoundland accents I KEEP LAUGHING." Another added: "Just started watching Below on Netflix. The Newfie accents are f****** laughable", while a further viewer chimed in: "Josh Hartnett's Newfoundland accent is noticeably bad especially when his scene partners are local."
Hartnett praises co-star's accent
Speaking to Extra TV, Hartnett commended Heaton for nailing his accent from the start, while the rest of the cast were not quite ready. He shared: "When we did our first reading of the show, Charlie wasn't even in the country yet.
"And he came on screen in front of us in the conference room and had his accent down flat and none of us were even brave enough to try it at that point, all the rest of us in the room."
"I was very impressed. And you [Heaton] had all this energy and was also apologising and I'm like 'Don't! Go, go, go.' You were killing it." Below is available to watch on Netflix.
