Understanding the Newfoundland Accent in Netflix’s ‘Below’

When Netflix premiered ‘Below’ on October 8, all six episodes dropped simultaneously, and viewers quickly focused on one standout feature: the Newfoundland accent. Since the first teaser was released, the accent has been a hot topic, with Gizmodo noting that Josh Hartnett’s accent was challenging to overlook in the early footage.

The limited series stars Hartnett as a fisherman grappling with his troubled past and a mysterious creature lurking in the waters nearby. But why does the cast sound the way they do, and how did a group of mostly non-locals manage to pull it off? The answer lies in their commitment to place, preparation, and significant assistance from local residents.

The authenticity of the show is deeply connected to its setting, filmed entirely in Newfoundland, where the story unfolds. This dedication to realism means the characters’ voices had to resonate with the landscape.

Hartnett portrays Calvin Penney, a kind-hearted but stubborn fisherman haunted by the mysterious death of his father decades earlier. His thick accent contrasts sharply with his usual voice. While some early reactions viewed it as a distraction, it was a deliberate choice that enhances his character.

The dialect itself poses a challenge to replicate. The accent in ‘Below’ is specific and influenced by Irish tones, with producer Jessica Rhoades describing it as notoriously difficult for actors to master in a limited timeframe.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hartnett shared that he and Charlie Heaton collaborated with a dialect coach to determine which regional sounds would shape their family’s speech. Newfoundland’s vast landmass hosts numerous communities, each with its own distinct accent, necessitating a collective commitment to one version.

Support came from various sources. The A.V. Club reported that the actors received guidance from local dialect coaches, including their co-star Allison Kelly. Many extras were also local artists, providing additional support throughout filming.

The results were evident even before filming began. Rhoades recalled that during a table read in St. John’s, the accent work was palpable as everyone delivered their lines. For a show that relies on a believable community, that moment was crucial.

Hartnett’s preparation extended beyond rehearsing lines with a coach. He listened to a long-running CBC radio show called ‘The Broadcast’ almost daily to familiarize himself with the various regional dialects. This approach allowed him to absorb everyday speech rather than merely imitate a polished version.

He also engaged with local fishermen and learned how to tie fishing nets, as noted by Netflix Tudum. While filming in St. John’s, he immersed himself in the local culture, dining at local restaurants and navigating the roads with care to avoid moose. Such immersion often enhances a performance.

Hartnett also faced a learning curve regarding Newfoundland itself. He admitted he had never encountered literature set in the region and was unaware of its rich history as an independent country with its own dialect. Understanding this context clarifies why the accent feels so distinct and why locals are particular about its representation.

The accent work also contributed to the father-son bond central to the story. Hartnett and Heaton had never met before their casting and connected over Zoom to practice the accent together. Heaton mentioned they aimed for the family to sound as if they hailed from the same place, and they initially struggled to achieve that.

Not all cast members faced the same challenges. Hartnett noted that Heaton excelled with his accent from the outset, while the rest of the cast needed more time to adjust. This twist is particularly amusing for a ‘Stranger Things’ alum who now sounds more Newfoundland than many of his co-stars.

Creator Jesse McKeown stated that the scripts were filled with local phrases and humor, which, while not always resonating with a broader audience, certainly struck a chord with Newfoundlanders. This may be the ultimate test of whether Hartnett and Heaton successfully captured the accent in ‘Below’; for those from Newfoundland who have watched, did the family’s sound feel like home?