Netflix’s latest foray into horror comes from showrunner Haley Z. Boston (Brand New Cherry Flavor) and The Duffer Brothers (Stranger Things) who serve as EPs in Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen. The new series lives up to its ominous title with a series that is as unsettling as it is meticulously crafted, anchored by a commanding central performance from Camila Morrone and elevated by moody, atmospheric direction, the show delivers a psychological horror experience that lingers long after the credits roll. While its deliberate pacing may test some viewers’ patience, those willing to surrender to the slow burn will find a deeply immersive and rewarding descent into dread.
What immediately distinguishes Something Very Bad… from other entries in the genre is its commitment to perspective. The series unfolds almost entirely through the eyes of Rachel, played with remarkable control and nuance by Camila Morrone. This choice proves to be one of the show’s most effective storytelling devices.
Rachel is not just our leading lady, but our lens into a story that expands and unfolds, not unlike Clarice Starling in Silence of the Lambs. The audience experiences every flicker of unease, every moment of doubt, and every creeping terror alongside her. Morrone carries the weight of this approach with confidence, delivering a performance that is both emotionally grounded and quietly unraveling. It’s a demanding role, and she rises to the challenge, making Rachel’s descent feel intimate rather than exaggerated.
Atmosphere Over Excess
Rather than relying on relentless jump scares or horror tropes that would be monologues about in a Scream movie, the series leans heavily into atmosphere and it pays off. The direction is deliberate, often lingering on empty spaces, dimly lit corridors, and unsettling imagery that suggests something is always just out of frame.
There’s a clear emphasis on sensory unease: distorted sounds, heavy breathing, and disorienting visuals that blur the line between reality and perception. This stylistic restraint creates a slow-building tension that seeps into every episode. The show understands that what you don’t see is often far more terrifying than what you do.
The wintry setting, coupled with carefully composed shots, reinforces a sense of claustrophobia and inevitability, a persistent feeling that something is deeply wrong.
A Strong Ensemble That Enhances the Unease
While the series is undeniably Rachel’s story, the supporting cast plays a crucial role in amplifying the tension. Each character brings their own layer of ambiguity, making it difficult to discern who, or what, can be trusted.
The ensemble operates with a quiet intensity, never tipping too far into caricature. Instead, they exist in a space that feels just grounded enough to be believable, yet just off-kilter enough to be unsettling. This balance keeps the audience constantly questioning motivations and allegiances, adding another layer to the psychological horror.
Importantly, the relationships between characters feel lived-in, even when they veer into discomfort. This gives emotional weight to the unfolding events, ensuring that the horror isn’t just external, but deeply personal.
Where the Slow Burn Stumbles
If there’s one area where the new series falters, and it’s in its pacing. The series is undeniably a slow burn, but sometimes to a fault. There are stretches, particularly in the middle episodes, where the narrative feels like it’s circling itself rather than progressing. Scenes that are rich in mood occasionally lack forward momentum, which may leave some viewers feeling restless. The show’s commitment to atmosphere occasionally comes at the expense of narrative efficiency.
However, it’s worth noting that this deliberate pacing is also part of what makes the eventual payoff so effective. By taking its time, the series allows tension to accumulate in a way that feels organic rather than forced. Still, a tighter structure could have elevated the experience even further.
A Creeping Sense of Dread That Pays Off
Despite its pacing issues, the series ultimately succeeds in delivering a deeply unsettling experience. The horror is not immediate or explosive, instead it’s insidious, creeping in slowly until it becomes impossible to ignore.
As the story unfolds, the sense of dread intensifies, culminating in moments that are both haunting and emotionally resonant. The show doesn’t just aim to scare; it aims to disturb, to linger in the back of your mind long after you’ve finished watching.
Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen is a testament to the power of restraint in horror storytelling. With a standout lead performance, a strong supporting cast, and an unwavering commitment to atmosphere, the series carves out a distinct identity within a crowded genre.
