Netflix Viewers Are Binge-Watching Josh Hartnett’s Terrifying New Six-Part Thriller In One Day — As Critics Praise Its Chilling Mystery And Unexpected Twists

Netflix has added another gripping thriller to its October lineup, and viewers are already finding it difficult to stop watching.

The new six-part limited series Below, starring Josh Hartnett, combines a terrifying underwater threat with a haunting family mystery, creating a suspenseful story set in a remote Newfoundland fishing community.

With its eerie coastal setting, mysterious creature and secrets buried deep in the town’s past, the series has quickly attracted attention from audiences looking for something unsettling to watch during Halloween season.

Some viewers have even admitted to watching all six episodes in a single day.

And with critics praising its chilling atmosphere and compelling storytelling, Below is emerging as an intriguing choice for fans of supernatural mysteries and creature thrillers.

Josh Hartnett Leads A Terrifying Fight For Survival

At the center of Below is Calvin Penney, played by Josh Hartnett, a hardworking fisherman and single father of three.

Calvin has spent years living with the emotional consequences of his father’s mysterious death, a tragedy that continues to haunt him decades later.

Despite his stubborn personality, he is deeply devoted to his family and determined to protect the people he loves.

But life in his quiet coastal village takes a horrifying turn when a violent creature begins attacking the community from beneath the water.

As fear spreads among the residents, Calvin realizes that the danger threatening his hometown may be connected to mysteries that have remained unresolved for years.

Determined to find answers, he joins forces with Fonda Howander, a visiting marine researcher played by Mackenzie Davis.

Together, they begin investigating the creature and the unsettling history surrounding the island.

However, their search soon reveals that the town may be hiding more than anyone initially suspected.

A Family Mystery With Something Terrifying Beneath The Surface

While Below features the frightening prospect of an unknown underwater predator, the series also explores the complicated relationships within Calvin’s family.

His son Wade, played by Stranger Things star Charlie Heaton, becomes an important part of the story as the threat to the community grows.

Calvin must balance his determination to confront the creature with his responsibility to keep his children safe.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the attacks begins uncovering secrets connected to the island’s history.

The series combines local folklore, suspense and family drama, using the remote fishing community to create a sense of isolation.

The surrounding water, once central to the villagers’ livelihoods, becomes a source of uncertainty and fear.

As Calvin and Fonda search for explanations, the distinction between local legends and real danger becomes increasingly difficult to ignore.

The result is a thriller that offers more than conventional creature horror, placing emotional relationships and community tensions alongside its supernatural mystery.

Netflix Viewers Admit They Watched All Six Episodes In One Day

The series has already attracted enthusiastic responses from viewers, with several praising its binge-worthy storytelling.

One audience member admitted on social media, “I watched the whole series in one day.”

Another simply described themselves as “hooked.”

The limited-series format has also made Below appealing to viewers who prefer a complete story without committing to several seasons.

With only six episodes, the mystery can unfold over a single weekend or even one extended viewing session.

Some fans have compared the series to Apple TV’s supernatural comedy-horror Widow’s Bay, pointing to its combination of eerie mysteries and unusual coastal atmosphere.

One viewer wrote, “#Below on Netflix was such a fun watch! I loved the thriller mystery vibes that gave me major Widow’s Bay energy, plus it reminded me why I still love Josh Hartnett.”

Another agreed, saying the new Netflix thriller was giving them similar vibes.

Those comparisons suggest that Below may particularly appeal to audiences who enjoy supernatural stories with a strong sense of place and character.

Critics Praise The Show’s Eerie Atmosphere

The positive reception has not been limited to viewers.

Critics have also highlighted the show’s ability to build tension through its unsettling setting and mystery-driven narrative.

The Telegraph awarded the series four stars, praising its “eerie atmosphere” and ability to deliver “genuine chills.”

Meanwhile, Variety described the production as a “captivating ride blending horror and suspense.”

Much of the show’s appeal comes from the contrast between its scenic coastal surroundings and the danger lurking beneath the water.

The remote location creates an atmosphere where help can feel distant and familiar places become threatening.

Rather than relying exclusively on frightening encounters with the creature, the story also draws suspense from the unanswered questions surrounding Calvin’s family and the community’s past.

That combination has helped distinguish Below from more straightforward monster stories.

A Star-Studded Cast Brings The Mystery To Life

Josh Hartnett leads the ensemble as Calvin Penney, continuing his recent run of prominent thriller and horror roles.

The actor, known for films including Trap and Pearl Harbor, brings both emotional intensity and a commanding presence to the central character.

He is joined by Mackenzie Davis, whose credits include Speak No Evil, as marine researcher Fonda Howander.

Charlie Heaton, best known for portraying Jonathan Byers in Stranger Things, plays Calvin’s son Wade.

The supporting cast also includes Willow Kean as Ruth Penney, Ruby Stokes as Mary Penney, Rohan Campbell as Jay Penney and Kaleb Horn as Noah.

Together, the actors portray a community confronting an extraordinary threat while struggling with personal conflicts and long-buried secrets.

Their relationships give the series an emotional foundation beneath its frightening premise.

A Perfect Six-Episode Thriller For Halloween Season

With Halloween approaching, Netflix viewers searching for a chilling new series have plenty of reasons to consider Below.

Its combination of creature horror, family drama and coastal mystery offers an atmospheric alternative to traditional haunted-house stories.

The six-part structure keeps the commitment manageable, while the central mystery encourages viewers to continue from one episode to the next.

For fans of Josh Hartnett, the series also provides another opportunity to see the actor take on a dark, suspenseful role.

And for audiences who enjoy shows such as Dept. Q, The Beast in Me and Widow’s Bay, the blend of mystery and unsettling atmosphere could make Below an appealing addition to their watchlists.

With viewers reporting that they finished all six episodes in a single day and critics praising its chilling atmosphere, Josh Hartnett’s latest Netflix thriller looks set to become a popular choice for anyone seeking a gripping Halloween-season binge.

All six episodes of Below are available to stream on Netflix.