The newest binge watch sensation has become the most viewed show in Netflix history. ‘Stranger Things’ uses its Steven King aesthetic to captivate audiences. The writers, the Duffer brothers (Matt and Ross) pay homage to 80s blockbusters such as, ‘The Goonies’ and ’Poltergeist’, bringing a retro vibe, the show is based in a small Indiana suburb in the 1980s. The supernatural theme that runs throughout is introduced when a lurking creature takes Will Buyers (Noah Schnapp), the eeriness of the scene will send chills down your spine. Indeed, the show may to some be classed as a horror but most can watch the show without being terrified witless. Will’s trio of friends, Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo) and Lucas Sincalair (Caleb McLaughin) set out to find him, but instead find a girl, her limited vocabulary and mysterious tattoo of the number eleven intrigues Mike and his friends. The girls name is Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), so the boys nickname her El. Eleven is not an average girl, her shaved head and scared stare is strange to say the least. However, things become stranger when it is discovered that El has telekinetic powers. The boys realise that El is the key to finding Will and set out on a ‘Stand by Me’ type adventure where they develop from the stereotypical nerdy kids to three pre-teen heroes. Although, the younger cast are arguably the main characters of the show, the older cast are also portrayed incredibly well. Will Buyers mother Joyce (Winona Ryder) who has barely appeared in anything after stealing more than three grands worth of designer goods in 2002. Now she portrays a single mother who believes her son is communicating to her though the light fittings which is interesting to say the least. Another intriguing character is the typical washed up cop Jim Hopper (David Harbour), however when the cop starts to investigating a secret government agency the plot thickens. The interesting conspiracy theories that are questioned in the show are prevalent to the 80s and brings back nostalgia to those who weren’t even born in the then, which includes many of the cast members.
The Netflix original series has already developed a cult following, with various fan theories showing that the fan base is already immensely interested in the promised season two. The filming is set to start this October with the new season promised for 2017. The show’s popularity is similar to that of ‘Orange is the New Black’ and ‘House of Cards’, shows that have both had many successful seasons on Netflix. Moreover, the Duffer brothers have confirmed that the new season will take place in the same town and will bring back many of the previous much loved characters.
This is a must watch show for anyone, it’s also a great conversation starter, asking, “Have you watched ‘Stranger Things’?” Will definitely evoke a good conversation. Indeed, be prepared to binge watch the whole show in one day because every episode ends on a cliff-hanger. However, if you have already watch the show then the internet is filled with numerous fan theories to sink your teeth into while you anxiously await for season two.