Since I've been ill and didn't feel like reading anything, in the evening I started watching Stranger Things (after a long time being on my list). Needless to say, I've become addicted. These characters have won a special place in my heart and binge watching the whole series has been incredible.
I wasn't expecting it to be so good and curated in every detail. I mainly started watching it because I've been wondering for years whether it was about aliens, laboratory experiments, a mix of both or something else entirely. Subconsciously I've probably been avoiding it because aliens creep me out (I'm looking at you LIFE).
I pulled many all-nighters because I needed to find out what was happening. The world they created is soo good and I love all the nerdy references to Dungeons & Dragons (wish I still had the time to play).
So here's a spoiler-free review of each season to convince you to watch it if you still haven't!
But beware that there are some trigger warnings (you can check them out at the bottom of this post) and it's not a genre for everyone. The series is labeled as science fiction and horror, but I personally didn't find it that scary (and keep in mind that I watched it alone at night and usually I don't like horror movies). I think that partly it's because the plot is so good that the horror elements take a back seat, and I didn't find it much more gruesome than GoT, but it can be a bit more claustrophobic sometimes. Here's a brief summary of what this series is about:
The story takes place in 1983 in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. The classic place where nothing happens. Except nearby there's a government laboratory that isn't really what they say it is. And when someone (or rather something) escapes from there, the city is shaken by mysterious deaths and disappearances, one of the latter being a friend of our protagonists. So with the government trying to cover up what's happening and a strange young girl hiding from the "bad guys" in their basement, the group of middle-schoolers sets on a mission to find the truth and their friend.
SEASON 1
I found the first season really creepy, mainly because we're new to the world and don't know what's going on yet, and I think the mystery gives us a different kind of anxiety compared to the fear we get from just knowing that the characters are in danger.
The creatures and the world are quite scary, don't get me wrong, but being an SFX lover I was really fascinated with everything. As I said, I wasn't expecting the special effects (both traditional and digital) to be so good. There's so much work behind this series.
The plot is original but leaning heavily onto roleplaying, and together with the 80' setting and the nerdy stuff is just perfection. It will glue you to your seat till the end. And the cast is great, there's a number of outstanding performances and together they work really well. I loved that the kids are actually kids and not forty-somethings playing the part. And even the young actors surprised me with their talent.
SEASON 2
In season two we're familiar with the world but we face a new enemy. Set a year after the end of season one, everything seems back to normal but we see many characters struggling with PTSD. Relationships start to change and we get some great additions to the cast.
I think this season is a bit less scary and has more comedic relief, which I enjoyed nonetheless. We get to see our young characters struggling with first love and the adult ones trying to find a new balance after the trauma. And I adore that some of the teenage characters become really close with the kids.
But secrets are being kept between friends and evil has found its way back to Hawkins.
SEASON 3
Another year, another threat. Already from the beginning of the third season, we get that our kids are going to face two different enemies this time. This season takes a darker turn and has a lot more gore, so be prepared for blood and splatter.
Again, we have another great addition to the cast and some secondary characters enter the spotlight. The kids are dealing with more adolescent problems and their bonds are challenged once again but this time due to their own miscommunication.
Although this season has its highlights, it is my least favourite. I was not a fan of the "creature" this time which is clearly all VFX and preferred the other "espionage" subplot. The ending though broke my heart.
SEASON 4
After what happened at the end of season three we find our protagonists in a very different situation than the one we left them. The kids are in the first year of High School and the group is sort of dismantled. We get some amazing acting and again, new characters I love! I feel like I love everyone here (except for Angela).
Some say this season is a lot more "horror" compared to the previous ones. I didn't find it that scarier but it has some creepy deaths and elements recurring in horror movies.
Things get completely turned upside down here (pun intended) and the menace feels much more real. We also get to explore the world outside of Hawkins and a lot of different powers are at work.
Right now this season is on par with season one for me. I enjoyed a lot getting to know more about the origin of the Upside Down and can't wait to watch the second part because that cliffhanger was devastating.
So, if you're on the verge and don't know if you want to dive in and join the fandom and hype I highly recommend the whole series!
It brims with mystery and monsters, antiheroes and 80' vibes and has one of the best casts ever.
Now's also the right time to watch it since volume two of the fourth season releases today and you won't have to wait except for the fifth and final season.
Let me know in the comments if you already watched it or are planning to, and what season is your favourite.
For me, it's definitely become one of my favourite series and I'm probably going to rewatch it in the future.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Blood, gore, monsters and supernatural beings, death, loss of a loved one, abduction, graphic violence also involving children, abusing and manipulative adult figures, PTSD, bullying.
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