The Real Newfoundland Towns Behind Netflix’s ‘Below’ That Will Inspire Your Next Trip
Netflix’s new sea creature thriller ‘Below’ quickly establishes its fishing community as a genuine, windswept locale. The six-part limited series debuted globally on October 8, with all episodes available for streaming, sparking a common question: Where was ‘Below’ actually filmed?
The answer is straightforward. The series was shot in Newfoundland, Canada, with the production fully embracing this stunning setting. Here’s a closer look at the coastal communities that served as the backdrop for the show’s fictional town of Snook’s Arm.
The series utilized various locations across the Avalon Peninsula and beyond, featuring places like Brigus South, Harbour Main, Conception Harbour, and Pouch Cove to create its bleak maritime atmosphere. This collection of small communities contributes to the show’s portrayal of a coastline where help feels far away.
Key scenes were filmed in coastal areas such as Conception Harbour, Brigus South, and Bacon Cove. Reports also indicate that filming took place on the Southern Shore in Bay Bulls and Brigus South. This approach allowed the production to move between several fishing communities rather than being confined to a single village.
However, there is a caveat for those seeking filming locations. Not every specific site was disclosed during production, leaving some of the show’s most atmospheric spots shrouded in mystery. This is common practice when filming in small towns to avoid curious onlookers disrupting the shoot.
Brigus South stands out as a significant location. This Newfoundland fishing community was transformed into the fictional Snook’s Arm, where Josh Hartnett’s character, Calvin Penney, struggles to keep his family together.
The setting is crucial, as the town itself almost acts as a character within the narrative. Calvin, a stubborn yet kind-hearted fisherman, grapples with the haunting memory of his father’s mysterious death. The rugged shoreline amplifies his grief, and when a creature begins to terrorize the harbor, the cliffs and open waters heighten the sense of danger.
The show’s visuals have garnered significant attention. One preview highlights the stunning tabletop peaks and fjords surrounding the rivers where Calvin earns his living. Anyone who has seen the trailer knows that the breathtaking scenery plays a vital role in the storytelling.
The decision to film entirely on location in Newfoundland was intentional. The production team aimed for authenticity by avoiding excessive reliance on green screens or sound stages, opting instead for practical effects to enhance the series’ eerie ambiance.
Creator Jesse McKeown has a personal connection to Newfoundland. He shared with Netflix Tudum that he has visited the province for many years, making it an integral part of his life. Having lived on and off in Newfoundland and Labrador for 18 years, his deep-rooted connection helps explain why the series feels so authentic to its surroundings.
Cast members also felt this connection. Rohan Campbell, who portrays Jay Penney, remarked to NOW Toronto that the show captures the essence of the province in every scene, emphasizing that it had to be filmed in Newfoundland. Such local pride is uncommon for a creature feature.
The filming process was extensive, running from July 3 to October 12 in the St. John’s area, which also served as the practical base for maritime filming, with local water safety support and Coast Guard involvement. Filming around real boats and water presents unique challenges.
Off-camera, the cast bonded over local traditions. Campbell mentioned that the ensemble participated in the Newfoundland rite of passage known as getting Screeched in, and they spent quality time together outside of filming. Hartnett also embraced the local culture, sharing that people invited him to experience various parts of the province, including a lobster boil with co-star Larry Barry.
The production also received strong local support. Laura Churchill, CEO of Picture NL, expressed excitement about Netflix bringing this new series to life in a province known for its incredible stories. For fans of the show, a road trip to Newfoundland seems like the perfect next step.
If you could stand in one spot from ‘Below’, would you choose the fishing streets of Brigus South that became Snook’s Arm, or another corner of the Avalon coast where the creature’s terror unfolds?