Television

‘Below’ Review: Josh Hartnett’s Netflix Creature-Feature Looks Good but Offers Little Else

By Rhys Dunbar, Film EditorJanuary 28, 20241 note

A Newfoundland-set monster saga starring Josh Hartnett delivers eye-catching visuals and decent accents, but struggles with its goofy premise and uneven tone.

Josh Hartnett’s latest outing, ‘Below,’ a six-part series on Netflix, is a case of style over substance. Shot entirely in Newfoundland, the show centers on a small Canadian fishing village terrorized by a giant squid. While it boasts impressive oceanic vistas and atmospheric cinematography, the series largely falters when it comes to narrative coherence and genuine tension, drifting between campy thrills and moments of supposed emotional depth.

The series’ visual appeal is undeniable. The Newfoundland coast provides a rugged, windswept backdrop that looks good enough to eat — or at least to watch in awe. The creature design itself is goofy but fun, with the squid’s tentacles and underwater sequences making for a treat for the eyes. Director Jesse McKeown seems more interested in delivering a spectacle than crafting a tight story, and it shows. The series is packed with atmospheric shots and a haunting score that elevate the superficial plot, but don’t expect much more.

Josh Hartnett, a Minnesotan by birth, adopts a passable Canadian accent that, while not perfect, is pleasing to the ear and adds to the series' charm. The accents, praised in some reviews, lend a certain authenticity to the small-town atmosphere, even if the dialogue often trips over its own attempt at regional flavor. The series’ tone is inconsistent, swinging from goofy monster-movie nonsense to attempts at meaningful drama about environmental change and community resilience, but neither side is convincing or fully developed.

While ‘Below’ aims to be more than just a creature-feature, it rarely succeeds. The characters are thinly sketched, and their interactions often feel like filler rather than vital storytelling. The environmental themes are present but undercooked, giving viewers a vague sense that there’s a deeper message lurking beneath the surface — if only the series had focused more on that and less on the squiddy antics.

The series’ biggest strength remains its visual craft. The ocean scenes are beautifully shot, capturing Newfoundland’s wild, windswept beauty. The underwater sequences highlight the creature’s grotesque and surreal presence, which is undeniably a highlight for viewers seeking escapism. You can see the series’ ambition in these moments, even if the execution sometimes feels amateurish or uneven. For fans of campy creature features, ‘Below’ offers a guilty pleasure that’s hard to resist.

The cast’s accents, especially Hartnett’s, are a highlight, providing a touch of authenticity amid the series’ silliness. His performance is committed, and the accents add a layer of charm that keeps things from sinking entirely into parody. The series also benefits from a soundtrack that complements its atmospheric visuals, creating an immersive experience that’s more pleasurable for the ears than for the mind.

Ultimately, ‘Below’ is a visual treat that delivers a few laughs and some eye candy but doesn’t quite manage to elevate itself beyond its goofy premise. It’s a fun watch if you’re in the mood for silly monster antics and Newfoundland scenery, but don’t expect much in the way of storytelling or emotional depth. For those craving a creature feature with a bit of style, this might be worth a quick dip.

NetflixCreature-featureJosh Hartnett