Creative Minds: The series is the breakout project for creator and showrunner Haley Z. Boston (Communication '16), with fellow Northwestern alum Isaac Sims (Communication '17) serving as a writer and script coordinator. Their shared academic background at NU played a significant role in their creative development.
Genre Blending: While primarily a horror series, it skillfully incorporates moments of surprising black comedy, subverting traditional genre expectations. This dynamic tone is a testament to Boston's vision and the diverse talent in the writers' room.
Subversive Storytelling: A core tenet of the show's writing is to set up audience expectations only to completely flip them. This commitment to "surprising but inevitable" endings keeps the narrative fresh and engaging, a technique influenced by writers like Damon Lindelof. Why this matters: This approach challenges viewers to actively engage with the narrative, preventing predictability and offering a more thought-provoking experience than typical horror fare.
Northwestern Influence: The show features numerous "Easter eggs" and references to Northwestern University, a conscious decision by Boston to homage her alma mater, a trend she observed among other NU alums in entertainment.
The journey of "Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen" from conception to screen was an intense two-year process for Boston, who immediately immersed herself in every aspect of production, from budgeting to directing and hiring. The writers' room, described by Sims as an "incredible" blend of talent, brought together diverse voices, including those "baked and born into the horror universe," all unified by Boston's clear vision.
The series centers on Rachel and Nicky, a betrothed couple, with Rachel's deeply traumatized background instilling a constant sense of impending doom. This psychological backdrop naturally leads to the show's horrifying elements, which intensify when Rachel encounters Nicky's peculiar, well-off family and Nicky subsequently vanishes. The show cleverly uses visual darkness but punctuates it with sharp, surprising black comedy, demonstrating a mastery of tone. Performances by Camila Morrone as Rachel and Jennifer Jason Leigh as Nicky's seemingly deranged mother, Victoria, are particularly highlighted for their engaging portrayals of complex characters.
A significant aspect of the show's appeal lies in its deliberate subversion of tropes. Boston emphasizes the goal of setting up expectations and then defying them, aiming for endings that are both shocking and, upon reflection, perfectly logical. Sims echoed this sentiment, referencing Damon Lindelof as an inspiration for consistently turning genre conventions on their head.
Both Boston and Sims credit their Northwestern University education, particularly their Radio, Television, and Film (RTVF) studies, with shaping their creative paths. Boston's experience with rigorous critique in writing classes, including receiving a 50/50 split of love and hate for a slasher story, taught her the invaluable lesson that bold, unique work will not appeal to everyone—a crucial insight for any creative professional. Sims highlighted the freedom to experiment and the high-level trust he received to make short films, which fostered a confidence he carries into professional writers' rooms today.
The series is rich with hidden details, or "Easter eggs," that invite multiple viewings. For instance, an address on an envelope corresponds to the release date of the original "Carrie" film (11376 for November 3, 1976), Rachel wears a shirt featuring the Timberline Lodge (the exterior hotel in "The Shining"), and even a Super Bowl game can be heard during a climactic bloodbath scene, cleverly aligning with the fictional wedding date.
For aspiring screenwriters, Boston advises against following trends, instead urging them to write stories that are genuinely personal and passionate. This authenticity, she believes, is what truly gets noticed. Sims reinforces the importance of character, asserting that no matter how cool a concept or plot, a strong, relatable character is what ultimately hooks an audience.
Q: Who created "Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen"?
A: The series was created and showrun by Haley Z. Boston, a Northwestern University alum, and executive produced by the Duffer Brothers.
Q: What are the main themes explored in the show?
A: Key themes include toxic family dynamics, the nature of soulmates, the institution of marriage, managing grief, and a pervasive sense of impending doom.
Q: Does the show feature any connections to Northwestern University?
A: Yes, both Haley Z. Boston and writer Isaac Sims are NU alums, and the series includes several "Easter eggs" that pay homage to the university.
Q: What advice do the creators offer aspiring screenwriters?
A: They advise writing stories that are personal and true to one's passion, rather than following trends, and emphasizing the development of strong, compelling characters.
Embrace Originality: The success of "Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen" underscores the power of a unique voice and a willingness to defy conventional storytelling. For creators, this means trusting your distinct vision.
Character is King: Aspiring writers should prioritize developing deep, relatable characters, as they are the primary anchors for audience engagement, even in concept-driven genres.
Look for the Details: The show's subtle Easter eggs demonstrate how thoughtful layering can enrich a narrative and reward attentive viewers, fostering rewatchability and deeper appreciation.
The Nuance of Horror: This series proves that horror can be both terrifying and darkly comedic, pushing the boundaries of what the genre can achieve by playing with audience expectations.
"Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen" offers a fresh perspective on the horror genre, infused with academic rigor and personal passion. Have you watched the series? What were your favorite twists or hidden details? Do you agree that character is paramount in storytelling? Let us know in the comments below!
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