'Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen' Review: Netflix’s Slow-Burn Nightmare is Disturbing and Worth Watching

Horror is one of the hardest genres to pull off well. Viewers have seen so many shocking things on the screen that it becomes hard to keep them intrigued with jump scares and cheap thrills. That’s why people prefer psychological horror more than supernatural horror. Why? Because true fear doesn’t come from what we see, it comes from what our mind refuses to let go of, and that’s what the Netflix series Something Very Bad Is Going to Happendoes to keep the viewers intrigued.

The Netflix series, created by Haley Z. Boston and produced by the Duffer Brothers, moves slowly, almost quietly, and yet something about it keeps pulling you in. The series builds its mood step by step, without rushing to explain anything, and as the season progresses, we realize the show is quietly tightening its grip, drawing you deeper into a world where nothing feels entirely real.

A Wedding Week That Feels Slightly Wrong

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen primarily focuses on a woman named Rachel Harkin (played by Camila Morrone). Rachel and Nicky (played by Adam DiMarco) are getting married in a week. That should feel exciting. But here, it doesn’t. From early on, there is a sense that things are not as simple as they look. Nothing dramatic happens right away. Instead, the show focuses on small details, awkward pauses, strange reactions, and conversations that feel slightly off. These moments slowly add up and create a feeling that something is waiting to go wrong.

As the season progresses, Rachel realizes that things are not moving in the right direction, and she needs to do something about it. But things go from bad to worse when she learns something terrifying about her own family, making her realize that marriage might not be a wise decision. The idea of marriage is at the center, but not in a typical way. It is not shown as a dream or a perfect ending. It feels heavier than that. The show looks at what people might give up for a relationship, and whether those choices are always worth it. Rachel’s journey reflects that tension. She seems unsure, but she keeps moving forward anyway, like many people do when they feel pressure to follow a certain path.

The family dynamic adds to the discomfort. Nicky’s family behaves in ways that are difficult to explain. They are not loud or aggressive, but there is something unusual in how they talk and respond. It creates a distance between them and the viewer. You don’t fully understand them, and that uncertainty becomes part of the experience. Then there is the presence of “The Sorry Man.” The show does not try to clearly define him, which makes him more unsettling. He feels like a symbol as much as a character, something that represents guilt, fear, or even regret. The series leaves space for interpretation, and that works in its favor.

There is also a clear tonal connection to Rosemary’s Baby. Not in terms of story, but in how it builds tension. The fear comes from doubt and atmosphere rather than sudden shocks. The show also touches on death calmly and reflectively, which makes those moments feel more real and, in some ways, more disturbing.

A Tight Space Filled with Uneasy Energy

A large part of the story takes place inside a cabin, and the way it is filmed makes a big difference. The space feels closed and sometimes confusing, almost like a maze. The camera often follows Rachel in a way that makes the environment feel unfamiliar, even though it doesn’t change physically. This creates a sense of being trapped without showing anything obvious. The visual style is simple but effective. The framing is slightly off at times, which adds to the feeling that things are not in balance. Lighting is soft and often dim, keeping parts of the scene hidden. It is not about showing everything clearly; it is about creating a mood.

Sound and music are used carefully. The background score is subtle, but it stays with you. It doesn’t try to dominate the scene. Instead, it blends in and supports the tone. Silence is used just as well. In some scenes, the absence of sound makes the moment feel heavier.

The performances are controlled and natural. Camila Morrone is the soul of this story and gives an extraordinary performance. Meanwhile, Jennifer Jason Leigh is equally brilliant. The supporting cast, Adam DiMarco, Ted Levine, Jeff Wilbusch, Karla Crome, and Gus Birney, are brilliant in their respective roles, especially Birney. Her portrayal is unsettling at times, and even though you hate how she behaves, her uncertainty makes her character a force to be reckoned with. Their presence adds to the strange atmosphere without taking attention away from the main story. Everyone seems to exist within the same uneasy world.

The cast does not exaggerate its emotions. Rachel’s character, in particular, feels grounded. Her reactions are quiet, but they show a growing sense of confusion and concern. Nicky’s character feels steady at first, though there are moments where that steadiness becomes uncertain.

As the series moves forward, it becomes clear that it is less about a single event and more about a feeling. The supernatural elements are present, but they are not the main focus. They work alongside the emotional themes, not above them.

All in all, Something Very Bad Is About To Happen stays with you because of how it makes you feel rather than what it shows directly. It is quiet, slow, and sometimes difficult to fully understand, but that is also what makes it interesting. It is a genuinely compelling and well-crafted series that rewards patience with a deeply immersive experience. The performances are excellent, and the atmosphere is strikingly effective in building constant unease. By the end, it stands out as a bold and scintillating piece of storytelling that leaves a lasting impact.

Rating: 8.5/10

Related: ‘Project Hail Mary’ Review: Ryan Gosling Delivers a Stellar, Emotion-Driven Space Epic