Below review: Josh Hartnetts sea monster series is perfect for Widows Bay fans

If you, like many TV viewers, found yourself captivated by Widow's Bay this year, then Netflix's Below might be the perfect next watch for you. This remote ocean community thriller, starring Josh Hartnett and Mackenzie Davis, shares that quintessential small-town suspense.

Much like Widow's Bay, Below takes place in an isolated coastal town where a sinister presence lurks just beneath the surface. Instead of an ancient curse, however, the menace in Below originates from a mysterious sea creature terrorizing the locals.

The film offers a thrilling, expertly crafted homage to the classic "Jaws" formula, proving to be an excellent choice for a spooky fall viewing. Set in the quaint town of Snook's Arm in Newfoundland, the story follows fisherman and iceberg harvester Calvin "Cal" Penney, played by Hartnett, who is celebrating the town's "Come Home Year" event.

Cal is reunited with his children, son Jay and daughter Mary, and even helps his wild card son Wade manage their Airbnb. The series delves into strange occurrences in local waters, including disappearing fish, vanishing tourists, and a missing Portuguese fishing boat. Frustrated by these events, Cal and local ocean researcher Fonda Howander, played by Mackenzie Davis, discover the source of their troubles: a violent creature lurking just off the coast.

With Hartnett's character embodying a blend of seasoned seaman and father, Below successfully blends Jaws-like elements with a fresh twist. The film maintains its creature's identity long enough to pique the audience's curiosity and then delivers a unique take on the horror, making it stand out from its main inspiration.

One of the series' most notable strengths lies in its depiction of the tight-knit Newfoundland community. The show artfully highlights the potential for resettlement, a pressing issue that adds tension to the narrative. In doing so, Below establishes a strong foundation for its thrilling story and impressive creature design. Now streaming on Netflix, Below is a must-watch for fans of suspenseful tales set in isolated coastal towns.