Netflix’s newest thriller series, ‘Something Very Bad is Going to Happen’, lives up to the title. It sounds like a straight-foward scary supernatural tale, but it transforms into an intense, unsettling story about fear and control. The show quickly shows viewers that the series’ strength is exploring the emotional and psychological impact on characters.
The series follows Rachel Harkin, a young woman who discovers her future has been determined by a family curse: if she gets married, something bad will happen. The idea is almost unbelievable, easily just a superstitious fable. However, strange things continue to happen to Rachel and her fiance as they are visiting his family to plan/have their wedding. The plot expands through her attempts to understand the curse, who will be affected by it and if it can be stopped. Throughout the series, she uncovers secrets that destroy her relationship, and compromise her ability to trust others.
One of the most effective pieces of the show is the tension. Instead of directors relying on action or jump-scares, they rely on anticipation. The audience clearly knows that something bad will happen, but when? This slow-burn might not be everyone’s interest, but it makes the story feel realistic and emotional. The fear Rachel feels doesn’t come from a single scary scene, but the uncertainty she feels in the decisions she makes.
Rachel’s character is the reason for the show’s success. Rather than a typical horror protagonist, she is complex and conflicted. She isn’t afraid of the cure to her curse, but what it will do for her future, will she get married? Can she be alone? Will she make the right choices?
These inner conflicts make the story feel relatable, even in the supernatural scenes. Her reactions, from complete denial, to determination to break the curse, carry the emotional weight of the thriller.
At the same time, various other characters in the show deepen the tension. Friends and family play roles in supporting Rachel, or making her situation more difficult. The truth about her curse is slowly revealed through the eight episodes, which makes viewers feel like characters might be dishonest. That uncertainty adds more suspense, leaving viewers wondering who is honest and who might be hiding something.
However, the show certainly has its flaws. The goal of the pacing is to build suspense, which can make it feel slow at times. Certain scenes go on for longer than they need to, which lead viewers to lose interest. The show also occasionally holds information from viewers which made me a little frustrated as well. It feels like there were multiple possible directions of the story, like too much was going on, it was hard to understand what information was relevant, and what wasn’t. The secrecy and suspense made it confusing at times as well, a lot of characters are whispering and gossiping, and then it’s never discussed again. The mystery is an important part of the story, but some more explanation would make the plot more satisfying.
Despite these flaws, ‘Something Very Bad is Going to Happen’ succeeds to be a relevant and engaging thriller series. It goes farther than just a typical supernatural jump-scare show, it focuses on deeper themes like fear of losing control and the pressure to fulfill expectations. The idea of a curse tied to marriage is a metaphor for how dangerous that commitment can be.
In my opinion, the show was worth the watch. I recommend it to people who enjoy slow psychological stories. It may not deliver action and excitement, but it gives viewers a long lasting sense of unease. By combining amazing performances, a wonderful soundtrack and emotional tension, the series stands out on Netflix. It’s a story about fear of our choices, not what might happen next.
