As a professional horror critic who consumes terrifying content for a living, I have built up a formidable resistance to the genre's typical scare tactics. From predictable jump scares to excessive gore, most productions fail to elicit more than a shrug. However, a brand new Netflix series has shattered that immunity, leaving me so profoundly spooked that I found myself sleeping with the lights on for the first time in years.
The Series That Broke a Horror Veteran
Released on Netflix today, March 26, the eight-episode series Something Very Bad Is Going To Happen follows engaged couple Rachel and Nicky during the tense week leading up to their wedding. Created by Haley Z. Boston and executive produced by the Duffer Brothers of Stranger Things fame, the show explores the dark undercurrents of matrimonial preparation and the haunting premonition that disaster awaits after making a lifelong commitment.
Having recently experienced my own wedding, the premise immediately captured my attention. The series delves into the plethora of negative emotions that surface during wedding planning, transforming what should be a joyful occasion into a breeding ground for existential dread.
An Atmosphere That Chills to the Bone
From the very first episode, the show establishes an unsettling, stifling atmosphere that seems to physically leak through the television screen. The production maintains this psychological chokehold throughout, keeping viewers constantly on edge. While the specific threat to the protagonists remains ambiguous initially, there's an overwhelming sense of impending doom at every turn.
This masterfully crafted tension makes viewers genuinely believe that something very bad is indeed going to happen, just as the title promises. The series deliberately avoids familiar horror tropes, offering no comforting predictability or moments of respite from the building terror.
A Binge-Watching Experience That Paralyses
I began watching during daylight hours but became so engrossed that night fell without my notice. Sitting alone in the dark, I experienced full-body chills as the narrative unfolded, feeling physically pinned to my sofa by the show's intensity. The experience was so visceral that I couldn't bring myself to pause the binge-watching session, despite growing discomfort.
Even after turning off the television, the series lingered in my mind with disturbing persistence. I found myself reluctant to extinguish my bedside lamp, genuinely concerned that something terrible might occur in the darkness—a reaction I haven't experienced since childhood.
Complex Layers of Psychological Terror
The plot contains enough intricate layers to make an onion cry, with subtle details connecting across episodes to create an immensely satisfying viewing experience. The series weaves together supernatural elements, serial killer themes, family tragedies, and relationship dramas into a complex tapestry of terror.
This multifaceted approach keeps viewers constantly guessing about the source and direction of the impending horror. Just when you think you've identified the primary threat, another disturbing element emerges to complicate your understanding.
The Unsettling Sound of Dread
One particularly brilliant aspect is the soundtrack composed by Colin Stetson, whose unique musical style perfectly complements the on-screen unease. Known for his work on the film Hereditary, Stetson employs his distinctive saxophone techniques to create soundscapes that amplify the creeping dread permeating every scene.
The auditory experience becomes a character in itself, enhancing the psychological tension and contributing significantly to the overall atmosphere of impending doom.
An Anticipated Finale
To preserve the viewing experience, I'll avoid specific plot details or spoilers. Netflix provided seven episodes for this review, and based on their masterful execution, I have every expectation that tonight's finale will deliver a spectacular conclusion to this terrifying journey.
Something Very Bad Is Going To Happen represents a new pinnacle in psychological horror television, proving that even the most desensitized genre enthusiasts can still be reduced to sleeping with the lights on. The series is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.
