Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen Review: Stranger Things Creators' Chilling New Netflix Series

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen Review

Netflix continues its push into genre storytelling with Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, a wedding set horror series that blends psychological tension with relationship drama. While the show takes its time to unfold, some degree of buildup proves necessary to establish its unsettling tone and emotional stakes.

Created by Haley Z Boston and produced by the Duffer Brothers, best known for Stranger Things, the series carries expectations of slow burning suspense.

Much like Stranger Things, the narrative prioritizes atmosphere and character groundwork before fully revealing its central conflict. In this case, the story follows Rachel, a psychology graduate student, who travels with her fiancé Nicky to his family’s remote estate for their upcoming wedding. From the moment she arrives, a sense of unease begins to take hold.

The early episodes focus on immersion rather than immediate payoff. Rachel’s discomfort grows as she interacts with Nicky’s eccentric family, whose behavior ranges from cryptic to outright disturbing. The deliberate pacing allows viewers to absorb the environment and question every interaction. While it may feel stretched at times, this buildup is essential in laying the foundation for the twists that follow.

Visually, the show excels in creating tension. The isolated snowy setting, combined with restrained direction, enhances the feeling of claustrophobia and vulnerability. Silence is used effectively, and the absence of constant action works in favor of the creeping dread. These elements demonstrate a clear understanding of how horror can function in a long form format, even if maintaining that tension over multiple episodes remains a challenge.

As the series progresses, it undergoes a tonal shift that adds depth to the story. What begins as straightforward psychological horror gradually incorporates dark humor and a more reflective exploration of relationships. The focus turns toward Rachel and Nicky’s compatibility, examining trust, perception, and the expectations they bring into their marriage. This shift makes the latter half more engaging and emotionally resonant.

The performances anchor the narrative throughout. Camila Morrone delivers a convincing portrayal of anxiety and suspicion, while Adam DiMarco maintains a careful balance between sincerity and ambiguity. Supporting cast members, particularly Gus Birney and Jennifer Jason Leigh, bring a distinct unpredictability that enhances the show’s offbeat tone.

Despite its strengths, the series does not fully overcome its pacing issues. Even with necessary buildup, some stretches feel repetitive, and the transition between tones can appear uneven. A more tightly structured approach could have elevated the overall impact.

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen is an ambitious addition to Netflix’s horror lineup. It rewards patient viewers with a more layered story, even if it occasionally struggles to justify its length. The result is a series that is intriguing and at times compelling, but not consistently gripping.

Stars - 3/5

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