How it unfolded
The tale of “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen” begins with a dark family secret that has plagued the Harkin lineage for generations. The curse, which dictates that members of the Harkin family will bleed out and die if they marry someone who isn’t their soulmate by sundown on their wedding day, originated from a bargain made by The Witness’s great-great-great grandmother with Death. This ominous backdrop sets the stage for the tragic events that follow.
On March 24, 2026, Rachel, a member of the Harkin family, learns about this curse from The Witness, who has been condemned to attend every wedding in Marianne’s bloodline. This revelation is particularly poignant for Rachel, as her own mother, Alexandra Harkin, died on her wedding day due to the curse, having married a man who was not her soulmate. The weight of this family history looms over Rachel as she contemplates her own impending marriage.
As the wedding day approaches, Rachel grapples with her feelings for her fiancé, Nicky. Despite her doubts about whether he is her true soulmate, she convinces herself that “I think he is my soulmate.” This internal conflict highlights the emotional turmoil she faces, compounded by her mother’s tragic fate. Rachel’s struggle is not just about love but also about the potential consequences of her decision.
Despite her reservations, Rachel marries Nicky, believing that love can conquer all. However, as the sun sets on their wedding day, the curse manifests its deadly grip. Rachel dies after marrying Nicky, a heartbreaking turn of events that fulfills the curse’s horrific promise. Her death is not just a personal tragedy; it signifies the spread of the curse to Nicky’s bloodline, sealing the fate of his family members.
In the aftermath of Rachel’s death, she is reborn as The Witness, a fate that forces her to attend every wedding in Nicky’s family for generations to come. This cyclical punishment serves as a grim reminder of the curse’s power and the consequences of choices made in love. Nicky’s family members, who do not believe their spouse is their soulmate, face the same tragic end that befell Rachel, as the curse continues to wreak havoc.
The emotional weight of Rachel’s story is profound. As actress Camila Morrone notes, “Rachel’s longing for her mother, yearning for that womb-like connection … it’s a massive hole in her heart.” This longing underscores the tragedy of the curse, as it not only claims lives but also severs the bonds of family and love. The cycle of despair continues as each wedding brings with it the potential for further loss.
Ultimately, the events surrounding Rachel, Nicky, and The Witness serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of recognizing true love and the dangers of ignoring the signs of fate. The curse that binds the Harkin family is a powerful narrative device that illustrates the consequences of choices made in love, and the tragic outcomes that can arise from a single decision. The haunting legacy of the curse remains, leaving a trail of sorrow and unanswered questions in its wake.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the curse’s impact on future generations, but the story of “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen” serves as a chilling reminder of the weight of familial legacies and the choices that define our lives.
