'Below': Small Town, Big Secrets, Monstrous Truths

The Netflix limited series 'Below' plunges viewers into a small Newfoundland town where a pervasive environmental crisis intertwines with deep-seated human fears. Set in 1986 and forty years later, the narrative follows Calvin Penney, a man still haunted by the drowning of his father during a family relocation. Now a widower in Snook's Arm, Calvin struggles to make a living with his son, Wade, by collecting ice. Their quiet life is disrupted when Calvin's latest ice haul is rejected for its foul odor, prompting an investigation with local scientist Dr. Fonda Howander.

As Wade experiences a severe accident and residents exhibit strange behavior, a massive iceberg surfaces, intensifying the town's unease. Calvin begins to suspect this chaos is linked to his father's death decades prior. The six-episode series masterfully blends creature-feature horror with a stark examination of human nature and the harrowing realities of climate change. It explores themes of loss, greed, and the inevitable nature of change, set against the backdrop of a close-knit but eroding community.

The series delves into the consequences of human actions, illustrating how desperation and selfishness can manifest as monstrous. Episode 4, "The Ocean Will Have Us All," is particularly impactful, highlighting the sacrifices people make for personal gain. Ultimately, 'Below' delivers a unique and captivating story that reflects on the fragility of life, the impermanence of place, and humanity's smallness in the universe, reminding audiences of the need to adapt to an ever-changing world.