Following the underwhelming and widely disappointing conclusion of “Stranger Things” in January, the Duffer Brothers have returned with “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen,” a gory miniseries that trades the supernatural for a quieter, more animalistic horror.
The series follows Rachel and Nicky, a young couple, in the week leading up to their wedding. Their seemingly ideal relationship is disrupted when, as the title promises, something very bad happens.
Nicky is played by Adam DiMarco, known for his roles as Gavin in the Disney Channel Original Movie “Radio Rebel” and Albie Di Grasso in “The White Lotus.” Rachel is portrayed by Camila Morrone, who starred in the Emmy-nominated series “Daisy Jones & The Six.”
The dynamic between Rachel and Nicky masterfully captures the lightness and enthusiasm of young love, establishing a mildly unsettling “calm before the storm” feeling and leaving the audience waiting for something bad to happen.
In an interview with Netflix, showrunner Haley Z. Boston said she drew inspiration from her own life, grounding the show in a level of emotional realism even as tension escalates.
Visually, the series creates a sense of constant unease, similar to that of “Carrie” and “Rosemary’s Baby,” favoring a well-built atmosphere over the sensationalism of gore and spectacle.
Unlike many modern TV shows that rely heavily on desaturated color grading, this series adopts a more intentional color palette. It was a very pleasant break from the overly muted style most modern movies have adopted.
The show’s sound design played a large role in creating a tense and uneasy atmosphere. The score consisted mostly of a slow, plucky-sounding guitar in conjunction with a kick drum beat reminiscent of a heartbeat. This careful, deliberate pairing of audio and visual components enhances feelings of anxiety for the audience.
Where the series particularly excels is in its use of space. Empty rooms, lingering shots and negative space are recurring motifs throughout the series. These spaces create a palpable sense of seclusion, reflecting the isolation of the main characters and making the audience feel as though they’re in the world with them.
The tension builds gradually but effectively, echoing the strongest elements of early “Stranger Things” while shifting away from overt supernatural elements toward something more psychological. The result is a slow-burning narrative that prioritizes mood, character and emotional stakes.
“Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen” is just the redemption the Duffers need to prove they haven’t completely lost their touch.
Rating: 4.25/5.