Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen: A Near-Perfect Netflix Horror Binge

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The week before a wedding is usually incredibly stressful. It often feels like Murphy’s Law is in full effect for the couple – everything that can go wrong, does. From cancelled arrangements with vendors to mishaps with the venue or catering, and even questionable choices by the wedding party, things seem to constantly go awry. All this chaos can really test a couple’s relationship and make them question if they’re truly meant to be together.

The miniseries Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen follows Rachel, played by Camila Morrone, as she tries to decide if her fiancé, Nicky (Adam DiMarco), is the right person for her. Over five days at his family’s vacation home, Rachel feels like an outsider, faces hostility from Nicky’s family, and experiences strange, unsettling events. Created by Haley Z. Boston, this series is a stylish and engaging addition to the horror genre, comparable to other popular Netflix horror shows like The Haunting of Hill House.

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen Is Structurally Brilliant

Following the end of Stranger Things, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen is one of the first projects from the show’s production company, Upside Down Pictures. While the Stranger Things finale wasn’t entirely satisfying, this new series is a strong return to form. It’s a horror story that, like many others, explores the challenges women face as they move into new phases of life. Similar to how Carrie focused on the fears of adolescence, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen explores the anxieties surrounding marriage.

It’s unexpected, but Rachel truly loves Nicky, and he’s a genuinely good person. The story initially seems to be building towards a happily ever after, despite being intended as a warning. However, Rachel’s in-laws enter the picture. The show cleverly leads us to believe they’re solely responsible for the couple’s problems, though they certainly contribute with hurtful comments and overbearing behavior. There’s actually another, more significant issue at the heart of their difficulties.

Okay, so this show really surprised me. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, it takes this wonderfully unexpected turn into the supernatural. It’s not just about Rachel being a little psychic, though—it turns out her abilities are rooted in her family history, and that history is directly threatening her marriage. We see her really wrestling with what she thought she knew about her husband, Nicky, questioning if a ‘perfect’ relationship is even real, and whether she’s prepared to face the truth if he isn’t the one. Honestly, it’s when all this comes to light that the whole story finally clicks – it makes so much more sense!

With Rachel making her decision, wedding planning officially begins. The show cleverly structures each episode around a key event in the lead-up to the wedding – meeting the families, the bachelor and bachelorette parties, the final hours before the ceremony, and so on. It could have been a fast-paced, energetic horror movie, skipping the typical, repetitive scenes. However, as a series, the show uses the focused, thematic framework of a stressful wedding week to create a compelling experience.

The Atmospheric Visuals Overpower the Series’ Downfalls

The unexpected supernatural element really elevates the series within the horror genre. Initially, it feels fairly conventional, and the creators likely used this to their advantage. By starting with familiar tropes, the show can then subvert expectations seamlessly. A strong performance from Morrone also helps immensely; she’s captivating as the intelligent and compassionate Rachel. She skillfully conveys the show’s central theme – a cautionary message about the pressure to marry – which will particularly resonate with younger viewers.

This series delivers a relentlessly gripping and original horror story. It doesn’t shy away from intense gore, fully embracing the disturbing imagery that defines the genre – think unforgettable, blood-soaked scenes like a crimson wedding dress. The unsettling body horror significantly contributes to the visually striking atmosphere crafted by directors Axelle Carolyn, Lisa Brühlmann, and Weronika Tofilska throughout each episode. Tofilska, already a talented director, truly surpasses herself with Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, utilizing atmospheric lighting and a bold color palette against a dark backdrop to amplify the story’s creepiness.

The biggest weaknesses in Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen come from plot conveniences. Sometimes Rachel encounters a problem that’s a little too easily solved because a family member happens to have a very specific skill. (For example, it’s odd that she needs to contact a ghost and her future sister-in-law is an expert in communicating with the dead.) But this might actually suit the story, which explores themes of fate and whether people can alter their destinies. Maybe everything just falls into place for Rachel because it was meant to happen.

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen Thrives On Its Peculiar Characters

Let me tell you, beyond the central couple, this family is just… wonderfully weird. I always love a show where every character feels distinct, and this one delivers. Jennifer Jason Leigh and Ted Levine play Nicky’s parents, Victoria and Boris, and they absolutely nail the picture of a ‘perfect’ marriage – except, and this is a big except, they’re seriously unsettling. You instantly know things aren’t as rosy as they seem. Then you’ve got Nicky’s siblings, Jules and Portia. Jules is clearly still reeling from a childhood experience with something… otherworldly, and Portia? She’s just plain difficult – a real control freak, honestly. It makes for a fascinating, if slightly uncomfortable, dynamic.

Jules’ wife, Nell (played by Karla Crome), initially appears to be the most grounded character. She’s intriguing because it’s unclear whether she’s hiding something like everyone else, or if she could actually help Rachel. Their connection has a significant moment, but unfortunately, it doesn’t impact the overall plot. This is a letdown both for Nell’s character development and because it squanders the series’ only genuine female friendship.

“Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen” explores the complexities of marriage, its traditional pressures, and why some people resist it. With a lively and energetic approach, the book also examines how younger generations view long-term commitment differently than their elders, and points out the double standards that often exist. It’s a thought-provoking read, though perhaps not ideal for couples currently questioning their decision to get married.

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen is now streaming on Netflix.

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2026-03-26 10:07