Netflix’s Something Very Bad is Going to Happen Was Hijacked by a Hated New Character

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A compelling title can often grab viewers’ attention, and that’s exactly what happened with the new horror series Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen. Its intriguing name drew in enough fans to make it the most-watched show on .

I’ve been completely hooked by this movie about a woman meeting her fiancé’s family right before the wedding – it’s darkly funny and has this incredible, unsettling feeling that something awful is about to go down. But honestly, what really kept me watching wasn’t just the weirdness, it was one character in particular who just radiated pure, simmering anger. They were absolutely infuriating, and I couldn’t look away!

Portia Is Something Very Bad Is Going To Happen’s Most Fearsome Aspect

Okay, so I just heard about this new movie called Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, written by Haley Z. Boston. It stars Camila Morrone as Rachel, and she’s about to get married to her boyfriend, Nicky (played by Adam DiMarco). The wedding’s happening at his family’s super fancy cabin in the woods, which already feels like a setup, right?

As her wedding day approaches, she learns she’s inherited a dangerous curse: if she doesn’t marry her true love, she – and any bride in the same situation – will die. This adds terrifying stakes to typical wedding anxieties, creating a truly chilling and darkly funny story throughout its eight chapters.

However, the most powerful source of the show’s emotional pain comes from the character of Portia Cunningham, played by Gus Birney. From the moment Nicky’s sister appears, it’s clear we’re not supposed to like her – she’s meant to be deeply unsettling as a spoiled, conceited, and intensely unpleasant person.

The show powerfully illustrates this through Portia’s harsh words and criticism of Rachel, even over minor things, and her unfair assessment of Rachel’s personality. What’s most frustrating about Portia – and she has several flaws – is her insistence on controlling the wedding planning, which she justifies by claiming Rachel doesn’t seem to care about her own wedding.

Honestly, it’s pretty clear Portia just needs to be the center of attention, all the time. Her brother, Jules, even points it out – and he’s not exactly the most sympathetic guy! But even though she’s incredibly frustrating to watch, I can’t help but be completely glued to what she’s doing. She’s just… captivating, in a really annoying way.

Gus Birney Totally Steals the Show as Portia

Camila Morrone, who received an Emmy nomination for her work in the film, truly shines while portraying the heavy emotional burden in Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen. It’s particularly remarkable how she confidently acts alongside established stars like Jennifer Jason Leigh (an Academy Award nominee) and Ted Levine, who play her future in-laws.

But the real standout in the cast of Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen is Gus Birney. At 26, and with acting in her genes – her parents are Tony Award winner Reed Birney and Constance Shulman from Orange is the New Black – she’s already familiar with the horror genre. She first gained attention in Spike’s adaptation of Stephen King’s The Mist, and later appeared in the 2020 Netflix film I’m Thinking of Ending Things, which explored the awkwardness of meeting your partner’s family.

Portia Cunningham’s performance is truly memorable, and could become her most famous role. She completely dominates every scene she’s in. A perfect example is when, during a tense argument about the wedding menu, she powerfully delivers the line, “I Will Light You on Fire” – the title of Episode 3 – in response to a question about vegetarian options, showcasing the fiery intensity of her acting.

I was watching a red carpet interview with Birney, and she shared something really interesting. Apparently, Portia – her character – genuinely believes she is the star of the show. And Birney totally ran with that! She completely lost herself in the role, which is demanding – it’s all this negative energy, but with a really wild sense of humor. Honestly, I think she’s a huge reason the show has been such a surprise success, and she deserves way more recognition for it.

Wow, the finale of Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen really hit me hard. Portia ends up falling victim to the same curse as Rachel, and honestly, it’s all because of that spur-of-the-moment Vegas wedding – she clearly didn’t marry her person! But what really made it land was Gus Birney’s performance. Her character was… well, let’s just say not very nice, but Birney played her with such raw courage that her ending was surprisingly heartbreaking. I genuinely felt something for this villain, and that’s a testament to Birney’s skill.

Many horror stories feature characters who aren’t exactly villains, but still create huge problems for the hero or are simply awful people. Right now, Portia Cunningham perfectly embodies that kind of frustrating and unlikeable character.

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2026-04-06 02:37