Josh Hartnett Stars in Netflix Thriller ‘Below’ with Release Date and First Look Revealed

Josh Hartnett is set to make waves in a new mystery thriller titled ‘Below’, which takes place on the picturesque coast of Newfoundland. This series blends family drama, local folklore, and a menacing creature lurking beneath the ocean’s surface.

Netflix has unveiled the first look at ‘Below’, a six-episode thriller crafted by Jesse McKeown, known for his work on ‘The Umbrella Academy’ and ’19-2′. The show premieres on Netflix on October 8 and follows a small fishing community grappling with a deadly threat from the sea.

The narrative focuses on Calvin Penney, portrayed by Hartnett, a fisherman residing in the isolated town of Snooks Arm, Newfoundland. Calvin is a diligent yet troubled man burdened by the mysterious death of his father. When a bizarre sea creature begins to attack the community, he must confront his personal demons to protect his loved ones.

As reported by Netflix’s Tudum, Calvin teams up with marine researcher Fonda Howander, played by Mackenzie Davis, to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the waves. Together, they navigate the challenges of their community while unveiling the island’s mysteries.

The cast also features Charlie Heaton as Calvin’s son Wade, who finds himself caught in the chaos. Other notable cast members include Willow Kean as Ruth Penney, Ruby Stokes as Mary Penney, Rohan Campbell as Jay Penney, and Kaleb Horn as Noah.

Hartnett expressed that the location and storyline were significant factors in his decision to join the project. In an interview with Tudum, he shared that he felt an immediate connection with the scripts and the world McKeown created.

“I read the first two scripts in less than an hour,” Hartnett remarked. “The voice was so clear, the concept was so engaging, and the character was fantastic. I’d never read anything like it before. I had never read anything that was set in Newfoundland before.”

He also noted that working on ‘Below’ allowed him to explore the rich history and culture of Newfoundland, including its unique traditions, dialect, and deep connection to the ocean.

Creator Jesse McKeown emphasized that Newfoundland was the ideal backdrop for this story. Having visited the region for years, he aimed to create a narrative that captures both its beauty and inherent dangers.

“I’ve been coming to Newfoundland for many years, and it’s become a part of my life,” McKeown shared with Tudum. “I just always felt like I wanted to set something here, that this would be a great place for something big and something kind of epic.”

He added that while the landscape can feel isolated and intimidating, the warmth and humor of the local communities make the setting truly special.

“There’s also this other side to it, which is that the community is so warm and the people are so funny and unique and there are so many eccentricities about the place,” he noted.

The series promises a thrilling blend of suspense, local mythology, and emotional family drama. Alongside the creature mystery, it explores themes of family, survival, and how small communities adapt to significant changes.

‘Below’ features a talented writing team, including Karen Walton from ‘Orphan Black’, Perry Chafe from ‘Saint-Pierre’, and Natty Zavitz from ‘Edging’. The episodes are helmed by directors Jamie Childs, Helen Shaver, and Stephen Dunn.

Hartnett also serves as an executive producer on the show, collaborating with McKeown, Jessica Rhoades, Chris Hatcher, Jamie Childs, Louise Sutton, and Sharon Hall.

Netflix Canada executives Danielle Woodrow and Tara Woodbury praised the series for its combination of a gripping mystery and a heartfelt story.

“Jesse’s bold, ambitious vision offers thrills galore, with the heart of a family drama,” they stated. “We can’t wait to transport our members to coastal Newfoundland with this timely story about community, resilience, and adaptability.”

Filming took place entirely in Newfoundland, Canada, with the region’s dramatic coastline and fishing communities playing a crucial role in establishing the series’ atmosphere.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dr. Andrew Furey commended the production, highlighting the area’s rich history and stunning scenery as perfect for a project of this scale.

“Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich history and stunning landscapes make it the ideal canvas for a project of this magnitude,” Furey remarked.

With Hartnett leading the cast and a mysterious creature threatening a tranquil coastal town, ‘Below’ is poised to deliver a captivating mix of horror, adventure, and family drama when all six episodes debut on Netflix this fall.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!