The search for a life partner is often portrayed as a blissful experience, as celebrated in popular songs by artists like Elton John and Tina Turner. However, the new Netflix series Something Very Terrible Is Going to Happen explores the anxieties and uncertainties that can accompany the decision to marry, amplifying pre-wedding jitters to supernatural extremes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen about?
The series follows Rachel Harkin and Nicky Cunningham as they prepare for their wedding at the Cunningham family’s vacation home, where a series of disturbing events and ominous signs lead Rachel to question whether she should go through with the marriage.
Who stars in Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen?
The cast includes Camila Morrone as Rachel Harkin, Adam DiMarco as Nicky Cunningham, Jennifer Jason Leigh as Victoria Cunningham, Jeff Wilbusch, Karla Crome, Ted Levine, Gus Birney, Sawyer Fraser, Josh Hamilton, Victoria Pedretti, and Zlatko Buric.
Who created Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen?
The series was created by Haley Z. Boston and executive produced by Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer.
Rachel Harkin and Nicky Cunningham appear to be a well-suited couple, despite their differing personalities. Rachel is described as anxious and introspective, whereas Nicky is optimistic and reassuring. However, Rachel begins to sense that something is amiss as they approach the Cunningham family home.
Upon arriving at Somerhouse, Rachel and Nicky are met with a series of unsettling occurrences, including a mysterious card that warns Rachel not to marry Nicky. Nicky’s family, particularly his mother Victoria, exhibits a range of behaviors from disdain to overbearing enthusiasm. Stories circulate about a knife-wielding monster in the woods, adding to the growing sense of unease.
The series utilizes unsettling imagery and a suspenseful atmosphere, employing techniques such as abrupt cuts, a haunting soundtrack featuring Paul Anka’s “You Are My Destiny,” and shaky camera angles to create a sense of dread. While the plot becomes increasingly supernatural, it also features moments of graphic violence, including depictions of animal cruelty and bloodshed.
Camila Morrone delivers a compelling performance as Rachel, grounding the character in relatable anxieties even as her situation spirals into terror. Adam DiMarco portrays Nicky as a sweet but potentially naive character, leaving the audience to question the authenticity of their connection. However, the supporting cast is less developed, with some characters receiving limited screen time and depth.
The series’ structure, stretching a potentially two-hour story into eight 45-minute episodes, results in unnecessary detours and extended scenes. Despite this pacing issue, the show maintains a captivating quality through its unsettling details and exploration of the uncertainties inherent in love and commitment.
Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen offers a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to truly recognize a soulmate, questioning whether love is a matter of fate or a conscious decision. The series suggests that even in the best-case scenario, relationships are inevitably marked by the potential for pain and loss.
Given the unsettling events unfolding in the series, Rachel will uncover dark secrets about Nicky and his family, potentially leading to a dramatic confrontation or a desperate attempt to escape the impending wedding. Alternatively, the supernatural elements could escalate, forcing Rachel to confront a terrifying force that threatens her life and well-being.
