Netflix’s new horror series Something Very Bad Is Going to Happenhas officially premiered on March 26, 2026, and early reviews suggest it could be one of the most unsettling psychological thrillers of the year.
Starring Camila Morrone and Adam DiMarco, the show blends romance, dread, and family drama into a chilling narrative that critics are already praising.
A Love Story Turned Nightmare
The series opens with Rachel (Camila Morrone) and Nicky (Adam DiMarco) preparing for an intimate wedding in a secluded forest home.
What begins as a dreamy love story quickly spirals into paranoia and dread. Rachel feels an ominous presence, convinced that “something very bad” is about to happen.
This creeping sense of unease drives the narrative, transforming a romantic setup into a slow-burn psychological horror.
Creative Team and Inspirations
- Creator: Haley Z. Boston (Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities)
- Executive Producers: Matt and Ross Duffer (Stranger Things)
- Director: Weronika Tofilska (Baby Reindeer)
Boston describes the series as a metaphor for the anxieties of marriage, comparing it to classics like Carrie and Rosemary’s Baby. Instead of relying on jump scares, the show builds tension through atmosphere, family dynamics, and psychological unraveling.
The Cunningham Family: Love and Control
Rachel’s unease intensifies when she meets Nicky’s family, the Cunninghams.
- Victoria (Jennifer Jason Leigh): The controlling matriarch who treats marriage as sacred tradition.
- Boris (Ted Levine): A loyal husband devoted to Victoria’s ideals.
- Jules (Jeff Wilbusch): The rebellious “black sheep.”
- Portia (Gus Birney): A chaotic sibling who speaks her mind.
This family dynamic adds layers of tension, as Rachel struggles to fit into a world of rigid traditions and hidden secrets.
Early Reception and Reviews
- What’s on Netflix calls the series a “masterclass in dread,” praising Morrone’s performance and the show’s ability to sustain tension without cheap scares.
- Forbes reports strong early reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting the series as the Duffer Brothers’ first major project since Stranger Things.
This positive reception suggests the series could become one of Netflix’s standout horror releases of 2026.
Why This Series Matters
The show taps into universal fears about commitment, family expectations, and the unknown.
By framing marriage as a metaphor for walking the plank, Boston delivers a horror story that resonates emotionally while unsettling viewers.
With its blend of romance, dread, and family drama, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen positions itself as a fresh take on psychological horror.