As far as we’re concerned, there’s only one thing anyone should be watching on Netflix right now (in fact, everyone should have already completed it and be patiently awaiting season two) and that is STRANGER THINGS.
STRANGER THINGS – Season One (2016)
In the style of a 1980s Spielberg film adapted from a Stephen King novel, Stranger Things is one of the most original, exciting, and nostalgic series we’ve had in a very long time. Even if you didn’t grow up in the 80s, you’ve seen all of the classic films from the era and you would be easily convinced that this series fits right along side the very best of them. It has everything, evoking themes and feelings from all of our favorite films. The childlike wonder of E.T. The mystery and brotherhood of THE GOONIES and STAND BY ME. The suspense of CARRIE or THE THING. And the thrill and horror of POLTERGEIST. If any of those films are a personal favorite of yours, then make room for Stranger Things.
This eight part series follows the residents of a small Indiana town after a young boy vanishes, seemingly into thin air. Shortly after his disappearance a new child appears in the woods, setting off a string of weird occurrences and uncovering a government conspiracy that puts the whole town in danger. From there, paths diverge while the missing boy’s friends go on a coming-of-age adventure, his mother finds herself in a supernatural horror, some teenagers go on a monster hunt, and the town’s Sheriff gets caught up in a noir-like detective story. Ultimately, all of their paths cross and they come together to work towards a single cause: bringing their friend home.
When broken up like this, the show really shines. It succeeds in telling several different stories all under the roof of a single plot. Even though the audience knows more than the collective characters, we are just as lost as everyone else. There’s no telling how their quests will merge, but by the end everything is tied up in a brilliant (and almost neat) little bow. Of course in such an expansive story, there’s bound to be some loose ends, but that just gives us something to look forward to in season two! And thankfully season two will be happening.
All of the characters are memorable, likeable (and unlikeable when its called for), and incredibly sympathetic. They all have clear goals and are easy to root for. Winona Ryder plays her part as the grieving mother expertly. This is a superb role for her and she really excels. Alongside her is David Harbour who plays Sheriff Hopper. He starts off as a cold and distant authority figure, who we grow to understand and care deeply for. A big concern for a lot of people are the child actors. Rest peacefully, because they are all amazing. They don’t feel like bad actors trying to be adults, they just feel like kids. They say kid things and make kid decisions. It’s refreshing to see them perform such natural characters in a very sincere way.
Basically this show is perfect. Easily the best Netflix Original Series to date. Don’t even try to space it out, either. Sit down, watch the entire thing, and then watch it again. And then show some friends and watch it in one sitting with them. And then wait for season two, watch season one again, and continue forward. It’s that good.