Stranger Things (2016)

Binge-watching seems to have become a social norm these days and, for a lot of viewers, this is the way to experience popular shows.  Along with this change in how we experience television shows, the "water cooler" where we all discuss what we've seen has since been replaced by Facebook.  If you're on Facebook these days (because, who isn't?) and either grew up in the 1980s (or came of age in that decade) and are even the most casual genre fan, you've probably heard of Stranger Things.


After quickly binging the series' eight episode first season -- when is Season 2 gonna happen?? -- which premiered on Netflix on July 15th, I'm struggling with trying to find words to express just how much I loved every second of it!  The best thing about this show is actually not knowing anything about it . . . so, please avoid the next three paragraphs....


Set in November 1983, Stranger Things -- at its simplest -- tells the story of a young boy disappearing and his three best friends' search for him.  Underneath that premise, there's a strange Firestarter-esque research group who's been experimenting on a young girl, another dimension, and even a creepy monster thrown in for good measure.  Paranoia, status quo, and fear mix together as the characters of Stranger Things find themselves deeper and deeper into the mystery clouding their sleepy, little town of Hawkins, Indiana. 


Of course, if you have a great story, you need to have a brilliant cast right?  Winona Ryder stars as Joyce Byers, the mother of the lost boy and she plays the part of a frantic, grieving mother perfectly.  Also in fine form is David Harbour as Police Chief Jim Hopper; seriously, Harbour steals practically every scene that he's in, whether he's making you feel safe or tugging at your heartstrings!   Also along for the ride and playing against type on a very different sort of vision quest is Matthew Modine, who channels his inner Conal Cochran. 


At its heart, Stranger Things focuses on the three young boys who are desperately searching for their lost friend.  All three child actors really envelope their roles and instantly remind viewers of themselves at the age of 12 or kids they knew from school.  Anchoring the group is young Michael (played by Finn Wolfhard, set to star as Richie in the upcoming IT remake), a composite of Elliot from E.T., Mikey from The Goonies, and even Sean from The Monster Squad!  Michael has equal parts heart, curiosity, courage, and a never-ending sense of child-like wonderment. 


Of the many points of interest to Stranger Things is its heavy retro feel from the opening credits (film print wear and tear!), its synth-heavy score that would be right at home in a John Carpenter film, to the countless references to films from the late 70s and 80s...this show is chock full of great stuff that will hook you immediately!  I won't go into detail pointing out the references that I caught -- that takes out the fun for you right?! -- but man . . . it's just SO MUCH FUN! 


And, damn . . . THAT score?!?!  As I said before, it'd be right at home in any 80s John Carpenter film, any 80s Horror/Sci-Fi anthology show (hell, the opening credits sequence instantly recalled V: The Original Mini-Series for me!), or any other TV show or movie that I probably grew up on!  The score by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein is nothing short of brilliant, perfectly setting the mood and tone of the series from the first opening credits sequence.  Check out S U R V I V E on Spotify for more great music.


Listen, I could go on an on about this show and go into further detail about it, thereby potentially spoiling your initial viewing experience . . . take it from me:  if you grew up on Spielberg, Stephen King books or movies, David Cronenberg, John Carpenter, Fangoria magazine, Dungeons & Dragons, Star Wars, Alien, The Goonies, The Evil Dead (there are some fantastic callbacks via shot set-ups and set design), Amazing Stories, The Twilight Zone, Tales From The Darkside or may have been considered a "nerd" when you were 12yrs old . . . you will love this show!  Now that you're finished reading, go check it out right now!