Fresh off the monumental success of Stranger Things, creators Matt and Ross Duffer are already delivering another chilling hit for Netflix. Their latest venture, the horror series Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, has premiered to impressive critical acclaim, suggesting the duo's Midas touch extends beyond Hawkins, Indiana.
Under their current Netflix deal, the Duffers are serving as executive producers on the show, which was created by Haley Z. Boston. All eight episodes dropped on March 26, and the early reception has been overwhelmingly positive. The series currently holds an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a score that briefly eclipsed the final season of Stranger Things and sits close to that flagship show's overall 90% rating. While the score may fluctuate as more reviews are added, this strong debut signals the arrival of a potential new horror favorite.
A Critical Hit With a Sinister Premise
Critics are praising the series for its inventive and unsettling premise. Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen is a mystery-horror that follows a couple, Rachel (Camila Morrone) and Nicky (Adam DiMarco), in the days leading up to their secluded forest wedding. The official logline frames it as horror's take on becoming a wife, joining the ranks of classics like Carrie and Rosemary's Baby in exploring terrifying life transitions.
"The show will leave you writhing in discomfort at every moment," wrote Collider's Jasneet Singh in a glowing review, highlighting how it takes the mundane concept of soulmates and twists it into something dreadful. Singh praised the series as a "visually stunning watch" that uses clever camera work to build a palpable sense of fear and uncertainty, creating a "perfect maelstrom" of wedding white and horror's signature crimson.
What Makes This Horror Series Tick?
The story taps into deep-seated anxieties about commitment and identity. As Rachel and Nicky travel to his family's remote vacation home, Rachel's superstition and paranoia crescendo. A series of eerie coincidences and dreadful surprises force her to question everything: What truly makes two people soulmates? And what could be more terrifying than pledging your life to the wrong person?
This psychological underpinning, combined with a snowy, isolated setting, crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere where dread seeps into every interaction. It's a concept that feels both timeless and freshly terrifying, proving there are always new fears to mine from human relationships. For fans looking for a smart, suspenseful binge, this series is a compelling addition to your Netflix weekend watchlist.
The show's success further cements the Duffer Brothers' reputation as master curators of genre storytelling, even in an executive producer role. As they work on other projects like The Boroughs before a planned move to Paramount, Netflix subscribers are reaping the benefits. If you're a fan of psychological horror that gets under your skin, this is one trip to the woods you won't want to miss.
With standout performances from its leads and a premise that lingers, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen is poised to become a talking point for horror aficionados. It joins a growing library of quality genre content on the streamer, standing alongside other inventive series. For those who enjoy discovering hidden gems in horror, this series is a prime candidate for your next obsession.
All episodes of Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen are streaming now on Netflix globally.
