Netflix’s ‘Below’ Review Roundup: Critics Hail Josh Hartnett’s Sea Monster Thriller, With a Few Reservations

Netflix has spent the past few years searching for its next binge-worthy limited series, and its latest bet comes from an unexpected corner of the map. Set in the coastal communities of Newfoundland, ‘Below’ blends creature-feature horror with a story about a fading way of life.

The 6-episode Canadian series was created by showrunner Jesse McKeown and ordered by Netflix in February 2025. Josh Hartnett leads the cast as Calvin Penney, a fisherman who teams up with marine biologist Fonda Howander, played by Mackenzie Davis, after a mysterious sea creature starts terrorizing their town.

Now that ‘Below’ has arrived on Netflix, the first reviews are in, and they’re largely positive. The series launched on Rotten Tomatoes with a perfect score from its earliest handful of reviews before settling at around 80% from its first 10 critics, with Hartnett’s performance earning some of the strongest praise.

Hartnett has said the project grabbed him immediately. “I read the first two scripts in less than an hour,” he told Netflix Tudum, adding that he had never read anything set in Newfoundland before.

⚓ #BELOW Reviews — a thread:

— josh hartnett files (@hartnettfiles) October 8, 2026

Critics seem to agree that the role suits him. Ready Steady Cut gave the series 3.5 out of 5, calling Hartnett’s work perhaps the most mature leading-man performance of his career and praising the show’s tight, thrill-packed runtime.

#Below on Netflix was a decent watch. I liked the creepy atmosphere and the cast, but the story loses steam toward the end. Not groundbreaking, but I enjoyed it. Six episodes, so it’s an easy weekend binge. 👀 https://t.co/Ojzmxz4jq2

— Eriksson (@Bella1L1) October 8, 2026

Variety was even more enthusiastic, describing ‘Below’ as a gripping, exhilarating ride that blends horror and suspense while centering the real-world climate crisis. The review singled out Episode 4, “The Ocean Will Have Us All,” as particularly riveting, though it gently teased Hartnett’s attempt at a Newfoundland accent.

Below was a sea creature show that’s both chilling & deeply flawed. Kudos to the actors’ committed performances with their authentic newfoundland accent. But the show didn’t quite know how to juggle its many themes. And it couldn’t give each arc a proper conclusion either. #Below https://t.co/RXUHvTCH5V

— Rama’s Screen (@RamasScreen) October 8, 2026

Many reviewers highlighted the show’s strong sense of place. The Verge’s Andrew Webster found it surprisingly authentic and funny, noting that East Coast viewers will feel right at home.

NOW Toronto praised the cast for making viewers feel part of that world. Tell-Tale TV also awarded it 3.5 out of 5, applauding its message that community and family are worth fighting for, even against a giant sea creature.

Weaving together dramatic tension, family dynamics, and a dash of sci-fi, Below nails that binge-worthy tone, and immediately sucks you into its vortex. This all-consuming mystery begs viewers to suit up and lock in for a vibrant six episodes. https://t.co/qblxLEVKNN

— Josh At The Movies (@joshatthemoviez) October 8, 2026

Not every review was glowing. But Why Tho felt the series is strongest in its first 3 episodes, losing some focus as it goes deeper before pulling itself back together for a bittersweet finish.

Spanish outlet mundoCine was harsher, giving it 2.5 out of 5. The critic praised a memorable opening scene but felt it served as a reminder of what ‘Below’ could have been.

Man, Netflix’s Below was so much fun. Honestly criminal that it was only six episodes. I could have easily spent at LEAST a 12-ep season with these characters and location. Felt like a mix of Jaws, Free Willy, Jurassic World, and Widows Bay. I’d give it an 8/10.

— Brad Stephenson (@Shuttlecock) October 8, 2026

Some festival viewers echoed those concerns. One Letterboxd reviewer argued the show splits its attention between the monster and human villainy, with plotlines drifting apart as the story progresses.

Beyond Hartnett and Davis, the cast includes Charlie Heaton, Natasha Henstridge, Joshua Close and Rohan Campbell. Willow Kean, Ruby Stokes, Kaleb Horn and Mary Walsh also appear.

Hey b’y! BELOW starring Josh Hartnett, Charlie Heaton and Mackenzie Davis is now playing. https://t.co/uV2sEeHJNz

— Netflix (@netflix) October 8, 2026

Episodes were directed by Jamie Childs, Helen Shaver and Stephen Dunn. Each runs 45 minutes or less, making the full series an easy weekend binge. ‘Below’ received a preview screening in the Primetime program at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Early audiences there were enthusiastic, with several praising the world-building and the show’s spotlight on Newfoundland. Production began in June 2025, and all 6 episodes premiered on Netflix on October 8. Some fans have already compared it to a mix of Stephen King and ‘Jaws’.

For now, the critical consensus suggests ‘Below’ is a confident, atmospheric thriller anchored by a strong lead performance. Its later episodes may test some viewers, but most critics agree the journey is worth taking. With strong early scores and plenty of festival buzz, ‘Below’ could become one of Netflix’s breakout hits this fall.

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