Review on Stranger Things

Stranger Things" is a science fiction/horror series created by the Duffer Brothers, first released on Netflix in 2016. The show is set in the 1980s in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, and follows a group of young friends as they investigate supernatural occurrences and uncover a government conspiracy.

The show's first season starts with the disappearance of Will Byers, one of the main characters, and the subsequent appearance of a strange girl named Eleven, who possesses telekinetic abilities. As the boys search for their missing friend, they encounter Eleven and learn that she was part of a top-secret government program that involved experimenting with interdimensional travel. They also encounter a monster from the alternate dimension, which they call the "Upside Down."

The show's second season picks up a year after the events of the first season, with the characters still reeling from the aftermath of their encounter with the Upside Down. Will is still struggling with the effects of being trapped in the alternate dimension, and the characters once again find themselves facing supernatural threats.

The third season sees the characters a few years older, with the town of Hawkins facing a new threat in the form of a group of Russian scientists and a new monster from the Upside Down. The characters also navigate the ups and downs of teenage romance and friendship.

One of the things that makes "Stranger Things" so engaging is its blend of nostalgia and horror. The show is filled with references to 80s pop culture, from the music to the fashion to the movies the characters watch. At the same time, it is not afraid to push the boundaries of horror, with a genuinely scary monster and some intense action scenes.

The show also has a strong ensemble cast of both young and adult actors. The young actors who play the main characters are particularly impressive, with a natural chemistry and a believability that makes their friendships and adventures all the more engaging. The adult actors, including Winona Ryder and David Harbour, also give strong performances, and the show does a good job of balancing the stories of both the young and adult characters.

Another strength of the show is its themes of friendship and loyalty. The characters face some truly terrifying situations, but they are always there for each other and willing to risk their own lives to save their friends. This makes the show both heartwarming and suspenseful, as the audience becomes invested in the characters and their relationships.

However, one criticism of the show is that it can feel formulaic at times. The plot of each season generally follows a similar structure, with the characters discovering a supernatural threat, investigating it, and ultimately defeating it. While the show does introduce new elements and characters each season, it can sometimes feel like the same story being retold.

Overall, "Stranger Things" is a highly entertaining and engaging series that combines nostalgia, horror, and heart. Its strong cast and themes of friendship and loyalty make it a standout in the crowded field of television shows, and its blend of 80s nostalgia and supernatural thrills will keep viewers hooked.

Additionally, "Stranger Things" has a well-crafted and detailed world, with its own mythology and rules. The show explores the concept of alternate dimensions and the consequences of experimenting with them, and it does so in a way that is both engaging and believable. The Upside Down, in particular, is a fascinating and terrifying concept, and the show's use of visual effects and sound design creates a sense of dread and unease that is hard to shake off.

Another strength of the show is its attention to detail, both in terms of the setting and the characters. The show's portrayal of 1980s America is both accurate and immersive, with a focus on the small-town atmosphere and the cultural touchstones of the time. The characters, too, are well-developed and memorable, with distinct personalities and quirks that make them feel like real people.

In terms of its flaws, some viewers may find the show's reliance on 80s nostalgia to be a bit overwhelming at times. While the references to pop culture can be fun, they can also feel a bit forced and contrived, and may distract from the story being told. Additionally, some of the characters and storylines can feel a bit clichéd or predictable, particularly in the later seasons.

Overall, "Stranger Things" is a well-crafted and entertaining series that blends horror, sci-fi, and coming-of-age drama in a unique and compelling way. Its attention to detail, strong ensemble cast, and themes of friendship and loyalty make it a standout in the crowded field of television shows. While it may have its flaws, the show's ability to transport viewers to a world of alternate dimensions and supernatural threats, all while tugging at their heartstrings, is what makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre.