Going into this show I wasn’t sure really what to expect. I knew little about the premise, and I wasn’t even sure what kind of genre they were going for at first. The trailer implied some elements of X-Files, Fringe, E.T., Super 8, and classic 80s’ science fiction shows, but the final product was a more unique blend of genres than I expected.
Netflix has delivered some amazing television in past years, but science fiction has not been its strong suite until now. I should clarify, though – Stranger Things is kind of a mixture of genres, but its rooted in science fiction ultimately (at least in my opinion it is). I’m happy to say that Netflix has just released a crowning achievement in great science fiction and television, and I hope it’s here to stay. It’s definitely one of the best shows I’ve seen in years.
Set in the 1980s of a small town in Indiana, Stranger Things is primarily focused around a group of young boys who are are charmingly funny and supremely dedicated to the popular Dungeons and Dragons fantasy board game. Within the first episode one of the boys, Will Byers, mysteriously disappears after having a frightening encounter with a terrifying creature. Thus begins our young heroes’ mission to find Will and bring him back safely. Around the same time of Will’s disappearance, we are also introduced to a girl with unique abilities who comes to aid in their search for Will. She’s only known as “Eleven,” or “El” as the boys nickname her, but her story helps fuel the interesting mythology and mystery. As the show plays out, we see the bond these friends share in their determination to find their missing friend. This reflects the brilliance of both the casting and the writing of Stranger Things.
Throughout the show we meet several supporting characters, primarily Joyce Byers, played by the excellent Wynona Ryder, and Police Chief Jim Hopper, played by David Harbour. Stranger Things definitely shines in its casting, as all the characters play out to be memorable and very believable. The three boys, Mike, Lucas and Dustin are the primary focus, however. Their dynamics as a tight group of young friends is the best part of this show, and they provide much comedic relief throughout the series, too. Dustin will be a fan favorite for sure, being the most outspoken and the most quirky of the bunch. The introduction of Eleven, or “El,” as she’s nicknamed by Mike, also brings a neat twist to the story. Eleven soon becomes a significant part of the story as we learn more about her with flashbacks and interactions with Mike. Her part in this series is fantastic primarily because the young actress playing her brings such a masterful blend of innocence and powerful motivations from her mysterious past.
As the story plays out, you may notice that this is a fun mixture of both science fiction and horror, as it borrows elements of the 1980s era and the films of that time. The show’s creators, the Duffer brothers, were pretty upfront about the primary influences of Spielberg, Carpenter and Stephen King who were well known for their horror and science fiction films in that time. At the same time, Stranger Things does bring its own unique blend of amazing visuals and storytelling. I ultimately felt as though the mythology behind the story was a little underdeveloped, but regardless -it’s a brilliant achievement in television. I actually feel like the 8-episode season is a bit short, and I would have welcomed a longer first season. This is a minor complaint, though in an otherwise fantastic entry into science fiction/horror entertainment.
I noticed that in its method of storytelling, the series almost plays out more like a lengthy movie than a normal series. Each episode connects pretty seamlessly, but they stand well on their own enough to merit multiple viewings. I binge watched it over this past weekend and felt like I could easily sit down through it again immediately.
There’s plenty of humor, drama and thrills to keep you entertained throughout. It’s not excessive, however and I appreciated how the directors kept the balance intact throughout the series. The music is fantastic, adding to the nostalgia of the 1980s and offering a standout sound from most shows of its kind. It reminded me so much of Mass Effect and Blade Runner and other classic science fiction themes.
Stranger Things is brilliant in everything from its storytelling, characters, dialogue, cinematography, and the amazing visuals that help paint this mysterious tale of monsters and dimensions and science fiction all at once. It uniquely blends so many elements yet it ultimately produces something very fresh to television. I guarantee you’ll be sitting on the edge of your seat at times, but also touched deeply by the show’s many powerful moments and flashbacks to some of our character’s darker pasts.
On a side note, I found it interesting that the show’s mythology is rooted around the concept of alternate realities and dimensions, often serving almost as an allegory to our world and the spiritual world of angels and demons. The similarities are almost startlingly noticeable, yet I imagine this is not an intended purpose by the show’s creators. Still, it made for some interesting insight into the invisible spiritual world around us, much like the other dimension or parallel universe portrayed in this series.
I have too many good things to say about this show that I can’t possibly cover all of it in this blog, but believe me when I say Netflix has delivered one of the best entries in science fiction/horror in recent years. I am absolutely dying to see more, and the rumor is season 2 is already on the way, so hopefully we won’t have to wait too long.
The Duffer brothers may not be a known name in Hollywood now, but I believe this is beginning of many brilliant works by these two. Stranger Things couldn’t be a stronger first entry for them, and audiences like myself are glad they’re here to stay. This show delivers all the elements needed to keep audiences coming back, while retaining enough fresh ideas to keep us on the edge of our seats. Bravo, Netflix, and bravo, Duffer brothers, indeed!
Jon Hand Thoughts 