With the imminent arrival of Stranger Things Season 2, Kate Finlay recounts the magic of Season One and explains why those that haven’t watched it should catch up on one of Netflix’s finest offerings.
THE first season of Stranger Things flickered onto our screens more than a year ago now. For everyone with a Netflix account, the full season complete with ominous opening sequence, eighties nostalgia and general mystery, was available. The show became an immediate hit – within the first 35 days of streaming with 14.1 million adults tuning in in its first month.
This show introduced us to the character of Eleven in 1980s Hawkins, Indiana. Hawkins is the site of extremely protected scientific research and had recently been rocked by the disappearance of a 12 year old boy. We follow a group of three boys as they discover the existence of Eleven and desperately try to figure out who she is, where she came from and her connection to their missing friend. The insight into this friendship group disrupted by a secret they are determined to uncover, and the presence of a mysterious creature, injects a suitably terrifying dose of suspense.
However, the group’s childish bewilderment keeps it feeling organic and fun. It momentarily distracts us from the imminent threat of whatever lurks in the world of the ‘upside down’, a twisted parallel universe where nothing seems quite the same, or at all safe.
The Duffer Brothers, who created the show drew a lot of influence from films of the era including ET, Ghostbusters and Stand by Me. As a result, the whole atmosphere of the show feels very familiar and is an almost instant classic. There are sinister goings on, family drama, sci-fi and friendship. It clearly appeals to a very general audience and has gained a huge following.
Perhaps one of the most important reasons for this success is the diverse cast who are loveable and instantly captivating. Winona Ryder, Charlie Heaton and David Harbour all give amazing performances but the talent of the five child actors is astounding. It is rare to see characters under the age of 18 portrayed by real young people. Stranger Things proved that it can be done and can truly pay off.
Although there are fan theories about what Season Two will bring on every corner of the internet, it is confirmed that there will be new characters, ghostbusting boiler suits and the promise that ‘it’s only getting stranger’.
It was recently announced to the 772,000 followers of the official Twitter account that the new season will come to Netflix on 27th of October so if you want to experience the thrill of Season One all over again, or haven’t yet paid a visit to the upside down, now is your chance.
By Kate Finlay
