Adam DiMarco Reflects on Netflix Horror Series and Its Ingenious Plot Twists
Adam DiMarco, the Canadian actor celebrated for his role as Albie in the Sicily edition of The White Lotus, has taken on a chilling new project. He stars in Netflix's horror sensation Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, a series that has quickly climbed to the top of the streaming platform's rankings. Produced by the Duffer brothers and featuring Camila Morrone, this eight-part nuptials horror maintains intense suspense, culminating in a gruesome wedding at a remote country home.
Behind the Scenes of a Terrifying Production
In an interview with Metro, DiMarco shared that filming the show was a genuinely creepy experience. He recalled a particularly unsettling scene where Ted Levine's character peels fur from a dead dog for taxidermy. "That got me. I was like, this is real, this isn't a prop," said DiMarco. "That kind of stuff freaked me out. I'm not great with body horror or gore. I prefer a psychological thriller." Despite his aversion to gore, DiMarco embraced the role, noting that the production involved extensive night shoots and copious amounts of fake blood, especially in the finale.
DiMarco emphasized that the cast and crew managed to have fun amidst the horror. "But the juice is worth the squeeze at the end of the day, especially when it turns out like this," he remarked, praising the final product. He also discussed the challenges of acting in tight close-ups, which were used to enhance the claustrophobic atmosphere. To maintain a connection with co-star Camila Morrone, they would squeeze each other's hands under the camera, as DiMarco explained: "Acting is reacting. That's the classic expression."
Comparing Roles: From The White Lotus to Netflix Horror
DiMarco's character in the series, Nicky, differs from his previous role as Albie in The White Lotus, but he acknowledged some overlaps. "I did want to create a little distinction," said DiMarco. "I feel like Albie was a lover, and then Nicky's more of a lover and a fighter." He admitted that Nicky makes questionable decisions leading up to the wedding, but as an actor, he had to defend his character's choices. "You kind of have to be your character's lawyer," DiMarco noted, highlighting the need to sympathize with Nicky's actions.
The series is packed with twists, and DiMarco confessed that even he was misled by some. Early episodes introduce figures like The Sorry Man and serial killer Larry Poole, leading viewers to suspect one as the primary antagonist. However, a mid-season flashback to Rachel's traumatic birth completely recontextualizes the story. "It turns everything on its head," said DiMarco. "I felt like the pedal was hit to the floor at that moment. It's two pretty great misdirects by Haley [Z Boston, the show's creator]." He praised the justification of The Sorry Man lore through this flashback, calling it "genius."
Themes and Performances in the Horror Hit
At its core, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen explores a hereditary curse, raising questions about trust and certainty in relationships. DiMarco and Morrone worked closely to develop their characters' backstory, adding moments of physical intimacy to make their bond believable. Metro's review highlights their solid performances, particularly in claustrophobic close-ups, though it notes that the initial tension wanes slightly over the eight episodes.
The series features a standout appearance by Victoria Pedretti from You, adding to the horror elements. DiMarco reflected on the non-verbal communication between characters, stating: "I think you can express a lot about a couple and their dynamic non-verbally. Just body language and the energy they have between each other." He credited their natural chemistry for enhancing the on-screen relationship.
Ultimately, the show delivers on its promise of horror, ending in a blood-soaked climax that DiMarco describes as playing out like a panic attack. With its clever twists and strong performances, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen has cemented its place as a Netflix hit, available for streaming now.
