Netflix's newest hit show, Stranger Things, is a brilliantly written and beautifully shot modern look at 80's retro movies and TV shows. Things like The X-Files, Stand By Me, Heathers, and other classics people love. Most notably, E.T. But even with the obvious nod to those things, Stranger Things tells its own unique story, and it tells it well. The first season is just eight episodes which seems like so little, but is so much. In a good way, of course. The season has a concise beginning, middle, and end. The story is clear and paced perfectly. You get ample time to learn about the characters and develop a connection to them. You actually care if/when something happens to them. Nothing feels overly rushed or drawn out like shows often do.
The best way to describe Stranger Things is, Speilberg meets Stephen King. Even though the story has a satisfying ending and answers a lot of questions, you won't know everything. You'll still be left with some things to think about. Which, of course, is leading up to another season. Not only does the show have the mystery and horror elements that you will love, but there's tons of humor too. And sci-fi!
This season centers around a small Indiana town and the strange happenings going on there. More specifically, a group of boys, their families, the chief of police, and a strange girl named Eleven. Winona Ryder plays an excellent character that is struggling with finding her lost son with some not so normal things surrounding his disappearance. Her portrayal is passionate and unlike anything else she is known for doing. In this show, she shows just how versatile she is. David Harbour is great as Chief Jim Hopper, who is dealing with his own loss while trying to help Wynona's character find her son and solve the town's big mystery.
Probably the best part about this show, though, is the kids. The casting of these kids was perfect. They do just as great as the adults do, maybe better. They're adorable and funny! You can't help but feel what they feel and hope for a happy ending for them. It's also nice seeing them make Lord of the Rings and other nerdy references! Millie Brown, who plays Eleven, is easily the best part of the show!
I won't say this is the best show ever, or that it lives up to the major hype it has right now... But I will say that it's worth giving a watch. It may seem a bit slow at first or uninteresting, but please, just keep watching. I promise it gets better! It's for sure a must see if you love 80's stuff because it relies so heavily on nostalgia. The only real downside to it is its very close resemblance to the stories told in E.T. and Stand By Me. If you can look past that, you are sure to enjoy this show!
I give Stranger Things a 4/5 Star Rating!