‘Below’ TIFF Preview: An Early Review & First Impressions of Netflix’s Next Great Horror Series
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By Jack Giroux
September 14th, 2026 – 6:24 am
Picture Credit: Netflix
There’s a notable lack of original horror content on Netflix. It’s almost like a desert for horror enthusiasts, especially since Mike Flanagan left the platform. While scary movies perform well at the box office, there’s an odd scarcity of horror offerings on Netflix. This is one of many reasons why early impressions of Below—a highly anticipated six-part limited series that debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)—suggest it will be a refreshing addition to the streaming service.
The buzz surrounding this series has been building since Netflix released the official trailer and additional sneak peeks on September 10th, complete with an ominous warning: “SOMETHING’S IN THE WATER…” Festival-goers had the chance to watch the first two episodes during TIFF screenings on September 10 and 11, with one more screening scheduled for September 19.
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Mind you, the air is deadly.
So is Newfoundland, as depicted in this horror-fantasy series created and showrun by Jesse McKeown, who has worked on The Sinner and The Umbrella Academy.
Without spoiling any details, there’s trouble brewing in the waters. It might be cooking for the locals—including Calvin Penney (Josh Hartnett), a kind-hearted but stubborn fisherman haunted by his father’s mysterious death decades ago. Technically, Penney fishes for ice, but let the show reveal the rest of that story.
When Penney and his family come together, strange events occur. Lives are lost. Dead flamingos wash up in unusual parts of Newfoundland—an intriguing true story that informs aspects of the series. Below feels like a fun campfire tale—a tall story featuring:
- Mackenzie Davis (from Station 11) as a visiting marine researcher
- Charlie Heaton (from Stranger Things) as Calvin’s son, Wade
- Rohan Campbell (Silent Night, Deadly Night)
Director James Childs (from The Sandman) sets a spooky tone with these first two episodes. Horror fans will appreciate the atmosphere reminiscent of The Fog and Messiah of Evil, as well as the influence of Jaws. The town feels lived-in, like it’s safe but now in peril—just like in Spielberg’s classic.
Dread Central’s TIFF impressions echoed this, praising the show as an “atmospheric sea monster tale kept afloat by a bounty of charismatic performances.”
What’s evident from the start is that McKeown and his team aren’t simply paying homage to horror pastiches. Below isn’t a copycat; it takes cues from horror classics while diving headfirst into its unique storyline, setting, and characters. It’s reverent—but more importantly, fresh in every aspect, from scenery to dialogue to scares. And at the heart of it all is Josh Hartnett.
