Stranger Things Review
I had heard quite a bit about “Stranger Things,” so I gave it a try, finished the first season in one sitting, and became an instant fan.
Starring Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers, “Stranger Things” follows the story of a small Indiana town and their search for Joyce’s son Will Byers (Noah Schnapp). “Stranger Things” can be considered a compilation of three stories, each with different puzzle pieces that the audience has to piece together throughout the season.
The characters uncover terrifying secrets involving the supernatural that kept me on the edge of my seat. My favorite aspect of the show was the characters, especially the quirky Dustin (Gaten Mazaratto), one of Will Byer’s best friends. He brings a relatable comedic relief and acts as a mediator when others are fighting. The children in the show bring a sense of childlike wonder and inspire hope that the mystery will be solved.
The characters were both well written and well acted. The best performance was Bobby Millie Brown as Eleven, a little girl with unusual abilities. This role was challenging because most of her lines are one word or short sentences. Brown’s performance created an impact based on the emotions that she showed despite her lack of a dialogue. The setting captured 1983 with a peculiar accuracy. There were no annoying neons or crimped hair, they worked with the modest styles of the decade. I typically look at the 80’s as a cultural nightmare, but “Stranger Things” managed to ease that particular thought in my mind and was able to focus on the story.
I experienced every emotion while watching; happiness, fear, sadness, anger, suspense, and awe. The entire show is both a creative and emotional masterpiece.
The first season of this suspenseful show ended with a cliffhanger. Season two is expected to air on Netflix in the spring of 2017. I have no doubt that “Stranger Things” will be a show that continues to thrill audiences.
