Netflix is preparing for the October 2026 release of Below, a new horror miniseries from creator Mike Flanagan. Set on the remote Crockett Island in Newfoundland, the series follows a small fishing community facing a mysterious maritime threat.
Revisiting the isoated Newfoundland charm of Midnight Mass
Mike Flanagan has built a significant horror legcay through his ongoing collaboration with Netflix. Following the success of The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor,the director has become synonymous with high-quality, atmospheric storytelling. As reported by the source, his recent work has transitioned from literary adaptations to original concepts that resonate deeply with audiences.
The upcoming series Below appears to be a spiritual successor to the 2021 hit Midnight Mass. Both productions utilize the isolation of a remote Newfoundland setting to heighten the sense of dread. While Midnight Mass focused on a community's reaction to a supernatural presence, Below is expected to lean even harder into the environmental terror of the sea.
Josh Hartnett and Mackenzie Davis anchor the Crockett Island cast
Josh Hartnett is slated to lead the ensemble cast in this new Netflix miniseries. Hartnett will portray Calvin Penney, a local fisherman, alongside Mackenzie Davis, who plays a visiting researcher named Fonda. The production also features Charlie Heaton, known for his role in Stranger Things, adding significant star power to the Crockett Island setting.
The plot of Below involves a complex web of local tensions on Crockett Island. A central figure in the story is Riley Flynn, a disgraced stockbroker who returns to the village after serving time for a drunk driving offense. This human drama is set against the backdrop of a community struggling to maintain its identity amidst an external threat.
Trading vampire subversions for a Lovecraftian sea monster
A major departure for Mike Flanagan in Below is the shift away from the psychological vampre twist found in Midnight Mass. While Midnight Mass eventually revealed itself as an unconventional vampire story, the new series seems to be targeting a more traditional creature-feature aesthetic. According to the report,this move could provide the "big old monster" that has been absent from Flanagan's previous Netflix catalog.
The move toward Lovecraftian or classic creature horror marks a new chapter for Flanagan's Netflix tenure. His previous five shows, including The Midnight Club, have largely avoided the "monster-in-the-woods" or "beast-from-the-deep" tropes. By embracing a more visceral maritime threat, the director is expanding his stylistic range.
The mystery of the unnamed sea creature in Newfoundland
The specific nature of the monster haunting the Newfoundland coast remains unknown. While marketing materials suggest a maritime threat, they have not yet provided a visual or conceptual breakdown of the creature. This leaves fans wondering if the series will deliver a Lovecraftian beast or a more grounded creature feature.
There are also unanswered questions regarding the role of Father Hill in the unfolding chaos. The source notes that the community begins to change following the arrival of this mysterious priest,but it is unclear how his presence relates to the sea monster. Whether the priest is a protector or a catlayst for the terror remains a key point of speculation.
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