Netflix has dropped the official teaser for Below, a six-episode limited thriller that dives deep into the cold, isolating waters of Newfoundland. The short, atmospheric clip opens with a simple, unsettling promise: “There’s something in the water.” Starring Josh Hartnett as a stubborn fisherman fighting to protect his family and community, the series arrives on Netflix on October 8, 2026, following a world premiere in the Primetime program at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10.
A Creature Feature with Local Roots and Classic Influences
At the center of Below is Calvin Penney (Josh Hartnett), a big-hearted but stubborn bayman living in a small Newfoundland town. Still haunted by his father’s mysterious death decades earlier, Calvin works the water that has defined his life and livelihood. When an unidentified sea creature begins terrorizing the community—disrupting the fragile balance of a place already grappling with a vanishing way of life—he must hold his fractured family and close-knit neighbors together.
Calvin isn’t alone. He teams up with visiting marine researcher Fonda Howander (Mackenzie Davis) to confront the threat and uncover the island’s buried secrets. His son Wade (Charlie Heaton) becomes entangled in the escalating strange events, adding urgency and emotional weight to the fight. The series blends local myth, high-stakes suspense, and heartfelt humor while exploring themes of family, community, and inevitable change.
Creator and showrunner Jesse McKeown (The Umbrella Academy) has been clear that this is not a supernatural story. The creature is biological—something real lurking beneath the waves. McKeown drew inspiration from classic genre filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and John Carpenter, as well as the rugged isolation, warmth, and eccentric character of Newfoundland itself. He has long wanted to set a big, strange story in the province, capturing both its terrifying edges and the people who call it home. Filming took place on location in and around St. John’s, Newfoundland, giving the series an authentic sense of place that many viewers and comments have already praised.
The Cast Bringing the Story to Life
Hartnett leads as Calvin, continuing his recent string of compelling roles and drawing excited reactions from fans who have followed his career resurgence. Charlie Heaton (Stranger Things) plays his son Wade, while Mackenzie Davis (Station Eleven, Speak No Evil) steps in as the outsider scientist Fonda. The Penney family is rounded out by Ruby Stokes as Mary, Rohan Campbell as Jay, and Willow Kean as Ruth, with Kaleb Horn also in the ensemble. Additional cast includes Natasha Henstridge and Newfoundland favorite Mary Walsh.
Hartnett has spoken positively about the material, noting that the voice of the scripts felt clear and the concept uniquely engaging. McKeown serves as creator, writer, and executive producer, with Hartnett also executive producing alongside Jessica Rhoades (Pacesetter), Chris Hatcher, Jamie Childs, Louise Sutton, and Sharon Hall.
Why the Teaser Hits Hard
The official teaser (available on Netflix’s YouTube channel) runs just over a minute and leans heavily on atmosphere. Calvin reflects on a lifetime spent on the water. Quiet, almost idyllic coastal moments give way to growing unease: unusual activity in the waters, warnings that something is coming, and urgent shouts for people to stay back from the water. The imagery evokes classic creature-feature tension—think Jaws meets the isolated dread of a John Carpenter film—while grounding everything in the specific look and feel of Newfoundland. Early reactions online have highlighted Hartnett’s presence, the Lovecraftian or Dredge-like vibes some viewers sense, and appreciation for a story that is both set and shot in the province.
Mark Your Calendars
All six episodes of Below drop on Netflix on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The limited series format suggests a focused, self-contained story that prioritizes character, place, and escalating tension over open-ended mythology. For fans of grounded creature thrillers, family drama under pressure, and strong location-driven storytelling, this one already looks like a standout fall release.
There’s something in the water—and when Below surfaces in October, audiences will finally get to see what’s waiting underneath.
