The Truth About the Sea Monster in ‘Below’ Is More Intriguing Than You Think

Netflix’s creature feature ‘Below’ premiered all six episodes globally on October 8, sparking curiosity about the true nature of its mysterious creature. Marketed as a mix of ‘Jaws’ and supernatural horror set in a secluded fishing community, viewers anticipated a classic monster tale.

However, the reality is far more captivating than a mere mindless predator. The creature in ‘Below’ presents a complex enigma for the residents of Snook’s Arm, with the series dedicating much of its runtime to uncovering its identity and motives.

According to Netflix’s own Tudum, the creature is described as a highly intelligent deep-sea cephalopod. Critics have also suggested that a giant squid lurks in the waters surrounding this tight-knit coastal town, lending the series a more realistic tone than its trailers implied.

This grounding in reality is intentional. The drama leans towards a scientific basis rather than cosmic horror, portraying the creature as an unclassified squid species rather than an otherworldly being.

The mystery deepens as characters begin to investigate. Marine biologist Fonda Howander reveals that the creature is intelligent, unlike any known species, and female, prompting a significant shift in audience perception.

The townsfolk have given the creature a name. One character cryptically refers to the sea monster as Mudder, suggesting a pact made with her. This detail adds an intriguing layer of local folklore to the marine biology.

Mudder is no ordinary predator; her influence on the townspeople is profound. As the attacks commence, residents suffer from violent symptoms, including an insatiable thirst and a terrifying compulsion to dive into the ocean. The creature contaminates local water supplies with a hallucinogenic bacteria, leading to illness and aggressive behavior.

Wade, portrayed by Charlie Heaton, experiences the worst effects. After a close encounter with the creature, he develops a large circular scar on his back, which Fonda identifies as similar to the markings sperm whales receive from battling giant squids. This eerie visual connects the supernatural elements back to real oceanic lore.

‘Below’ takes a significant turn when it reveals that the creature is a mother, and the iceberg in the harbor serves as her nest. This revelation reframes her aggressive behavior, as she is preparing to lay a clutch of eggs.

Suddenly, the monster is not the antagonist. One summary of the finale succinctly states that she is not a monster but a mother in distress. Calvin, who has been driven by fear and a desire for revenge, must reevaluate everything he thought he knew about her.

The finale also raises questions about who the real threat is. The creature that the characters have been fleeing turns out to be a refugee, while those who claimed to be saviors reveal themselves as the true danger. Calvin ultimately grasps her intentions and intervenes to protect her from harm.

Moreover, Calvin and Wade discover numerous other massive icebergs towards the end, hinting at the possibility of other giant cephalopods lurking in the depths. This leaves the narrative open for future exploration.

Could the giant sea creature in ‘Below’ actually exist? The short answer is no, not exactly. Mudder is a fictional creation inspired by real-life giant squids and other cephalopods. Actual giant squids are not known to exhibit the behaviors depicted in the series.

Experts have critiqued the show’s scientific accuracy, with one noting that giant squids lack the structural strength to harm anything above water. The level of intelligence attributed to the squid in the series is also deemed unrealistic.

Nonetheless, the scientific elements provide a solid foundation for the story. The series intertwines marine biology with themes of family, community, and environmental change. Climate change and the depletion of habitats and food sources in the deep sea drive the cephalopod toward the Snooks Arm harbor, making the horror feel uncomfortably plausible.

Thus, the creature in ‘Below’ is a grieving, protective giant squid forced to the surface by a changing ocean, while the true monsters may be the people exploiting her. After witnessing Calvin choose to protect Mudder instead of destroying her, do you believe the Penneys made the right decision, and would you trust those enigmatic icebergs to remain silent in a potential second season?