Netflix is diving into dark waters with Below, a new mystery thriller that just made a splash at the Toronto International Film Festival. The series, set in a rugged Newfoundland coastal village, brings together an impressive cast including Josh Hartnett, Mackenzie Davis, and Charlie Heaton. At the Collider Media Studio, presented by Campari and The Cayman Islands, the team sat down with Perri Nemiroff to peel back the layers of this eerie new show.
So what exactly is Below about? Hartnett plays Calvin Penney, a man whose family reunion is anything but peaceful. The tight-knit town is on edge over a government vote that pits tradition against progress. But when tourists start vanishing and other bizarre events occur, Calvin turns to marine biologist Fonda Howander (Davis) to investigate something terrifying lurking beneath the waves. The cast also includes Charlie Heaton as Wade, Ruby Stokes as Mary, and Rohan Campbell as Jay.
Executive producer Jessica Rhoades, who also works on Black Mirror, was drawn to the project by showrunner Jesse McKeown's distinctive voice. "It's all about Jesse's voice and all about the words on the page and the characters that he pulled me into," she explained. "When you're setting a world that sits a little bit above ours, and you're going to tell stories that lean into mystery or the possible supernatural, the more you can feel grounded in this world so that the characters feel real." That grounding, she says, makes the strange occurrences all the more chilling.
McKeown, known for The Umbrella Academy, built the series around a real-life inspiration that he teased during the interview. While he didn't spill all the details, he hinted that the mystery has roots in actual events, adding an extra layer of intrigue. The cast also dove into their characters' strengths and weaknesses, with Davis revealing how her scientist character approaches the unexplainable. Hartnett, meanwhile, emphasized why Newfoundland itself became an essential character in the story.
One of the most charming parts of the conversation was the cast's effort to master the Newfoundland accent and create a believable family dialect. They also shared memorable moments from set and praised the local talent they worked with. "Newfoundland's artistic community should inspire more than one series," Hartnett noted, highlighting the region's rich creative energy. For fans of twisty mysteries, Below promises to be a must-watch. If you're looking for more small-screen thrills, check out our Netflix binge guide for other recommendations.
And for those wondering about Black Mirror season 8, Rhoades offered a brief but exciting tease. While she couldn't reveal much, her enthusiasm suggests fans are in for another mind-bending installment. In the meantime, Below premieres on Netflix on October 8. With its atmospheric setting, talented ensemble, and a mystery that blurs the line between the natural and the supernatural, it's shaping up to be one of the fall's most talked-about shows.
For more from the cast and creators, including their thoughts on the show's real-life inspiration and world-building, be sure to watch the full interview. And if you're a fan of eerie small-town secrets, you might also enjoy our roundup of top mystery movies since 2020. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on Below and all your favorite streaming series.
