Unpacking the Eerie Allure of Netflix’s Latest Thriller
Netflix has dropped a new series, ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen,’ on March 26th, and it’s already sending shivers down the spines of viewers. Described as a culty, creepy, and rich-people wedding affair, the show, helmed by the Duffer Brothers, promises a rollercoaster of plot twists across its eight episodes. While it might not be the next ‘Stranger Things,’ this new offering is steadily captivating audiences and leaving them craving more. For those who have binged the series and are on the hunt for that same unsettling, suspenseful vibe, we’ve compiled a list of shows that capture a similar essence.
The Duffer Brothers have a knack for crafting narratives that keep viewers on the edge of their seats, and ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen’ seems to be no exception. Even with a slightly drawn-out build-up, the series delivers enough surprising turns to make the entire watch a worthwhile experience. Its blend of mystery, the supernatural, and a touch of the grotesque has resonated with many, prompting a search for similar viewing experiences.
Recommended Series for Fans of ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen’
If the unsettling atmosphere and intricate plotting of ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen’ have you hooked, you’re in luck. We’ve curated a selection of titles that share its DNA, from chilling cults and psychological thrillers to gothic horror and supernatural mysteries.
Archive 81 (2022)
This series is a prime candidate for anyone who enjoyed the creepy cult elements and nail-biting twists of ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen.’ ‘Archive 81’ masterfully weaves a narrative across two distinct timelines, following archivists Dan and Melody. Their work on a restoration project plunges them deep into the unsettling rituals of a secret society, creating a palpable sense of dread and mystery. The show’s commitment to a slow-burn horror with genuinely shocking moments makes it a strong contender for fans of the genre.Midnight Mass (2021)
The 2021 miniseries, featuring compelling performances from Hamish Linklater and Kate Siegel, explores themes of faith and desperation in a dying isolated town. At its heart is a charismatic priest whose charm masks a far more sinister agenda for resurrection. The series is renowned for its striking visual storytelling, which effectively contrasts the priest’s seemingly benevolent facade with the chilling reality of his actions. It’s a thought-provoking and atmospheric piece that delves into the darker aspects of belief.The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
Based on Shirley Jackson’s seminal novel, this adaptation follows siblings who are forced to confront the traumatic past they fled from in a notoriously haunted house. The narrative expertly toggles between the family’s past and present, revealing how the lingering trauma of a demonic experience continues to haunt them. Victoria Pedretti delivers a standout performance as Nell Crain, a sibling whose connection to the mansion’s spectral inhabitants is particularly profound and devastating.The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)
Edgar Allan Poe’s iconic Victorian short story receives a contemporary, gothic update in this 2023 miniseries. ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ centres on the Usher clan, a powerful and wealthy family whose legacy is intertwined with dark secrets and supernatural occurrences. The series meticulously unravels a series of mysteries that lead to the demise of the heirs of family patriarch Roderick Usher, creating a compelling, modern take on classic horror.Servant (2019 – 2023)
This series masterfully blends psychological distress with genuine horror. ‘Servant’ follows a grieving couple who, in an attempt to cope with the loss of their newborn, employ a lifelike doll. Their unconventional coping mechanism, however, inadvertently invites malevolent forces into their home. Garnering acclaim from horror luminaries like Stephen King and Guillermo del Toro, the series is praised for its unsettling visuals and a storyline that escalates in creepiness with every episode.From (2022 – Present)
Trapped in a mysterious town, the residents and newcomers face a terrifying reality: they are hunted by supernatural creatures once dusk falls. The core objective throughout the seasons remains constant: find a way to escape before the sun sets. This gritty series, anticipating its next season, maintains a high level of suspense and urgency, making it a compelling watch for those who enjoy survival horror with a supernatural edge.Behind Her Eyes (2021)
This 2021 thriller is replete with soul-switching and sinister intentions. The story follows Louise, who finds herself entangled in an affair with her psychiatrist. Things take a twisted turn when the psychiatrist’s wife attempts to befriend Louise, masking her true motives behind a veneer of newfound friendship. The series keeps viewers guessing until the very end, offering a psychological puzzle box of deception and dark secrets.The Outsider (2020)
An adaptation of Stephen King’s acclaimed horror novel, this 2020 miniseries centres on a murder investigation that gradually reveals a connection to otherworldly entities. The series excels in its dark, atmospheric setting and masterful use of misdirection. Much like ‘Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen,’ it builds suspense through a web of intrigue, leading to a final reveal that is both shocking and unsettling.The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020)
In this instalment of the ‘Haunting’ anthology, an outsider arrives at a grand estate to care for two orphaned children, only to find themselves ensnared in a series of paranormal events. While ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’ leans more heavily into paranormal horror, it incorporates a poignant romance subplot that slightly softens its impact compared to others on this list. Nevertheless, it still delivers plenty of spine-chilling moments and unsettling ghostly encounters.Marianne (2019)
This critically acclaimed French horror series follows a novelist who returns to her hometown to investigate the tragic suicide of a friend. Her homecoming is far from peaceful, as the malevolent spirit that once held sway over her past resurfaces, initiating a terrifying new chapter of haunting. The series is celebrated for its atmospheric dread and its exploration of how past traumas can manifest in terrifying ways.
