Josh Hartnett Unveils 'Revolutionary' Netflix Thriller

Collider's Perri Nemiroff recently sat down with the cast and crew behind Netflix's upcoming mystery series, "Below," at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2026. The interview featured stars Josh Hartnett, Mackenzie Davis, and Charlie Heaton, alongside showrunner Jesse McKeown and producer Jessica Rhoades, who discussed the real-life inspiration for the series, its immersive world-building, and the intricacies of its characters. Rhoades also provided an intriguing tease regarding "Black Mirror Season 8."

TIFF served as a platform to spotlight this cinematic television series created by Jesse McKeown, known for his work on "The Umbrella Academy." "Below" is set in a picturesque coastal village in Newfoundland, where Calvin Penney (Josh Hartnett) and his family reunite under tense circumstances. The close-knit community is grappling with rising tensions as a government initiative's looming vote divides its residents between preserving tradition and embracing new opportunities. However, the discovery of missing tourists and other perplexing occurrences soon takes precedence, leading Calvin to enlist the help of marine biologist Fonda Howander (Mackenzie Davis) to uncover a monstrous entity lurking beneath the sea.

The series features a talented ensemble cast including Charlie Heaton ("Stranger Things") as Wade, Ruby Stokes ("The Burning Girls") as Mary, and Rohan Campbell ("Halloween Ends") as Jay. During the Collider Media Studio interview, the team delved into various aspects of the show. They explored the true inspirations behind its unbelievable mystery, McKeown's meticulous world-building, and how the stars forged their family dynamics on screen. They also discussed their characters' greatest strengths and weaknesses, and how Davis's scientist character approaches the unexplained phenomena.

A significant focus of the conversation was the importance of Newfoundland to the series. The cast and crew shared insights into mastering the Newfoundland accent and creating a unique family dialect, emphasizing how the region became an essential part of the show's fabric. Hartnett reflected on the incredible local talent he worked with, highlighting how Willow Kean's casting became a heartwarming Newfoundland story. The team expressed a strong belief that Newfoundland's vibrant artistic community should inspire more than just one series.

Jessica Rhoades, an executive producer for "Black Mirror," shared her initial interest in "Below," stating that it was Jesse's distinctive voice and the richly drawn characters that captivated her. She noted the brilliance of setting a world slightly above our own, where leaning into mystery or the supernatural feels grounded because the characters and place feel so real. This approach allows the audience to deeply connect with the characters' experiences when they encounter something extraordinary. "Below" is scheduled to premiere globally on Netflix on October 8.