Netflix Viewers Voice Frustration Over Dark Visuals in New Horror Series
Netflix subscribers have issued widespread complaints about the dim and difficult-to-see visuals in the streaming platform's latest binge-worthy horror series, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen. The show, which has garnered attention for its spooky atmosphere, is facing criticism for its gloomy lighting that obscures key scenes and action sequences.
Viewer Reactions Highlight Visibility Problems
On social media platforms like X/Twitter, viewers have expressed their frustration with the show's dark cinematography. One user remarked, "Trying to watch Something Very Bad Is Going To Happen – why are films so dark? If you're releasing films on Netflix, consider the audience are watching it on a computer screen, not in a f***ing IMAX." Another viewer simply stated they "couldn't see a thing" on their home television setup, suggesting the series is not optimized for older TV models.
Further comments echoed these sentiments, with one person noting, "Watching Something Bad Is Going to Happen on Netflix and I can't see s*** it's so dark!" while another acknowledged, "The first couple of episodes were so dark I could hardly see anything. But the vibe was great and I loved how spooky the family was."
Series Overview and Critical Reception
Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen is executive produced by the Duffer brothers, creators of Stranger Things. The plot follows engaged couple Rachel, played by Camila Morrone from The Night Manager, and Nicky, portrayed by Adam DiMarco from The White Lotus, as they uncover a sinister curse in the days leading up to their wedding, resulting in chaos.
While the series has been praised for its horror elements, critics have also pointed out the lighting issues. In a two-star review for The Independent, Louis Chilton highlighted that the show is "so dark and color-washed that it's hard to tell what you're even looking at." He added, "The drab and colourless look of Something Very Bad undermines everything else about it, neutering horror and drama alike."
Recurring Netflix Lighting Issues
This is not an isolated incident for Netflix, as lighting problems have been a consistent complaint among viewers and critics. Recent projects, such as the 2025 adaptation of Frankenstein starring Jacob Elordi, have faced similar criticism. Reviewers argued that the lighting was inconsistent with the gothic theme, with Decider noting "that signature Netflix flatness in its lighting and focus, a lack of contrast that makes the surfaces stick together across each focal length."
Chilton further commented in his review that critiquing Netflix's lighting has become a tedious axiom, comparing it to pointing out that "water is wet." He wrote, "It's a tedious axiom at this point to complain about Netflix's allergy to good lighting set-ups. The issue pervades nearly all of its shows, most of its original films, and has been remarked upon endlessly by viewers and critics alike."
Additional Viewer Feedback on Pacing
Beyond the visual complaints, some fans have also raised concerns about the series' pacing across its eight episodes. One Reddit user remarked, "I liked the idea of a horror setup, but I just thought it was clumsily executed (not helped by the dark scenes). Maybe with 10 eps they could have paced it better." This suggests that while the lighting is a primary issue, other elements of the show's production have also drawn mixed reactions from audiences.
Overall, the backlash against Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen underscores a broader pattern of dissatisfaction with Netflix's visual presentation, particularly in horror and thriller genres, where atmosphere is crucial but often compromised by poor lighting choices.
