Josh Hartnett takes centre stage in Below, Netflix's six-episode mystery series that blends ocean-set suspense, character drama and imaginative creature storytelling. Set in Newfoundland, the production uses its coastal atmosphere as more than a backdrop, shaping the world and emotional rhythm of the story.
A Story Rooted in Place
Hartnett plays Calvin, a lifelong local and father whose connection to his family and community forms the series' human core. While the opening evokes classic sea-bound thrillers, Below gradually expands into a distinctive narrative about belonging, resilience and the unknown.
The actor, also an executive producer, says the project appealed to him because genre storytelling gives filmmakers room to experiment. For Hartnett, the series combines an expansive production scale with intimate character moments, creating what he describes as a genuinely cinematic experience.
Learning From Newfoundland
To shape Calvin's voice and perspective, Hartnett spent time with local fishing communities and on the water. He also worked closely with a dialect coach and fellow cast members to reflect the region's varied accents with care. The experience, he says, revealed how strongly Newfoundland's landscape and culture influence everyday life.
Hartnett's recent creative momentum also includes Verity and the upcoming film White Lies, directed by Oliver Stone. Looking back on earlier collaborations, he has highlighted the lasting influence of directors such as Ridley Scott and Christopher Nolan on his understanding of filmmaking.
With its blend of regional identity, family dynamics and elevated genre ambition, Below points to a future where streaming series can turn specific local worlds into globally resonant cultural experiences.
