Haley Z. Boston Talks About Her New Horror Story and the Inspiration Behind It: “I Have Too Much Blood, Medically”
SPOILER ALERT: This report contains spoilers for the entirety of Netflix’s Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen. Readers are advised to watch the series before continuing.
Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen premiered today on Netflix, introducing Haley Z. Boston as a compelling new voice in the horror genre. At just 29 years old, Boston has previously contributed to Netflix projects like Brand New Cherry Flavor and Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities.
This visually striking series, which Boston created and serves as the showrunner, evokes a palpable sense of dread and foreboding. Executive produced by The Duffer Brothers—their first project since Stranger Things—and directed by Weronika Tofilska of Baby Reindeer, the show centers on Rachel, portrayed by Camila Morrone. Rachel grapples with a seemingly stable relationship with her fiancé Nicky (Adam DiMarco), while also sensing that something catastrophic looms over their impending wedding.
In an exclusive interview, Boston shared insights on the personal anxieties that fueled the show’s narrative. “My parents always warned me not to marry the wrong person,” she explained. “That got me thinking—how can you truly know if someone is the right fit for you?”
The concept spiraled into a chilling premise: what if marrying the wrong person could lead to a catastrophic fate? “I thought, what if, at the altar, a bride just starts bleeding out?" she shared, revealing a connection to her own medical condition involving an excess of blood. This unique blend of personal fear and macabre fiction constructed the narrative foundation for the series.
Boston recounted how early drafts featured a different wedding and narrative structure, with the focus on Nicky’s sister, Portia. “I realized I’d seen too many stories revolving around outside threats. I wanted to flip that narrative,” she said, leading to the revelation that the true danger is internal.
Rachel’s journey unfolds as one of doubt transforming into faith. “She represents the struggle for certainty,” noted Boston. “In trying to find answers, Rachel often spirals into overthinking. Ultimately, she learns there’s no guarantee in decisions—you must take a leap of faith.”
As for the creative process, Boston faced challenges in determining the rules of the show’s universe, emphasizing that the curse embodies Rachel’s inner doubt. “The moment she becomes aware of that doubt, it spirals her out of control,” she explained.
While discussing character dynamics, Boston explained that Nicky’s misguidance should not be mistaken for malice. “He genuinely doesn’t believe in the curse, which creates tension,” she noted, adding that Rachel’s perspective often overshadows Nicky’s personal struggles.
Boston sees the series’ conclusion as ultimately hopeful. “It’s about self-preservation,” she stated. “Rachel chooses not to betray herself, and in the end, she experiences a rebirth.”
The show, which marks Boston’s first experience as a showrunner, came about after countless discussions and revisions. Despite the challenges, she expressed gratitude for the mentors and collaborative experience that shaped her vision. “It takes a lot of trust, especially as a first-time showrunner,” she said, reflecting on her journey from concept to screen.
Looking to the future, Boston is working on a movie she plans to direct. “I’m excited to take that next step,” she affirmed.
As Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen launches, it stands not just as a compelling series, but as a testament to the complexities of relationships, commitment, and self-discovery in a world fraught with doubt.
