“Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen”: Netflix’s Harrowing Take on a Marriage You Must Survive
According to CinemaDrame News Agency, the series Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, created by Haley Z. Boston, presents a dark, violent, yet darkly comedic portrayal of marriage—where the wedding is not a destination to reach, but a challenge to survive.
The story begins with Rachel, played by Camila Morrone, planning a simple, small wedding. She and her fiancé, Nikki (played by Adam DiMarco), head to his family home deep in the woods for a private ceremony with close family. The plan is simple: a wedding, a weekend together, and a return to normal life.
But things quickly spiral out of control. The groom’s family exudes a heavy, strange atmosphere; their house is large, luxurious, but dark, labyrinthine, and unsettling. The guest list balloons from a handful to nearly a hundred—more if uninvited guests are included.
While the idea of a “wedding gone wrong” may seem familiar, the series never feels clichéd. The atmosphere is charged with menace, anxiety, and paranoia. Over eight episodes, the narrative oscillates between stark, unsettling reality and shocking nightmares—nightmares cleverly justified by the protagonist’s constant substance use.
Though it is a horror story, the series is also a meditation on marriage. What elevates it beyond pure terror is how it subverts expectations. The notion of “something bad” evolves in each episode, gradually revealing multiple reasons why one might question marriage. Ultimately, the series is less about the destruction of a wedding under pressure and more about why such a commitment should never be entered lightly.
Despite its pessimistic view, the series is surprisingly vibrant and energetic. Camila Morrone’s performance plays a key role in this success. She portrays a bride who defies traditional stereotypes: cool, independent, tattooed, sharp-witted, and possessing a unique perspective on marriage. Yet her performance never feels forced, delivering a believable and multi-layered presence from the very beginning.
In the early episodes, minimal background information about the characters enhances the sense of confusion and suspense. Nikki’s family—from his outspoken, audacious sister to his estranged brother and parents who project a perfect marriage but behave disturbingly—amplifies the series’ tense atmosphere.
Visually and narratively, the show is raw and violent. Unlike series such as Stranger Things, there is no cartoonish fantasy or lighthearted CGI. The harrowing imagery, explicit violence, and oppressive atmosphere make it a fully adult-oriented production. Cinematography, music, and sound design all contribute effectively to maintaining a constant sense of anxiety.
Despite minor flaws, such as multiple endings or occasional lack of explanation, the series keeps viewers engaged until the end. Its dark humor provides moments of relief amid the tension, while clever plot twists maintain narrative intrigue.
Ultimately, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen offers a cynical yet realistic take on marriage. It demonstrates that love alone is insufficient to sustain a relationship, as each individual enters marriage with personal experiences, wounds, and histories. In such circumstances, a successful marriage requires mutual understanding and respect above all else.
The series was released on Netflix on March 26, with all eight episodes available simultaneously. The series has been rated B+.
