Netflix released its newest show, “Stranger Things,” on July 15. The horror/sci-fi show has become one of Netflix’s most popular series, and has captivated audiences of all ages.
“Stranger Things” takes place in the early 80s in Hawkins, Indiana. A monster has escaped a laboratory in the small town and is killing and feeding on anyone it finds. The show focuses on a group of friends in their early teens: Will (Noah Schnapp), Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) and Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin). One night, as Will bikes home from an evening with his friends, he feels something following him. When he gets home, his mother and brother aren’t there; soon after, the creature kidnaps him.
The next morning, Will’s mother (Winona Ryder) reports him missing to police chief Jim Hopper (David Harbour). A young girl named Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), who has also escaped from the laboratory, helps the police and Will’s family and friends as they try to find him.
In every episode of “Stranger Things,” something new and interesting happened; I never found the show confusing or boring. There were many twists and turns, but they were not overdone. The show was also visually appealing, and the setting definitely made you feel like you were actually in the 80s.
“Stranger Things” was written and directed by Matt and Ross Duffer. The cast included many young actors who are relatively unknown, but still delivered strong, believable performances and seemed like experienced actors.
“Stranger Things” is inspired by Steven Spielberg, John Carpenter, Stephen King, and George Lucas, and other horror and science fiction directors. The show has a gloomy and dark 80s vibe but still feels distinctly modern. Critics have also praised “Stranger Things” for its stellar soundtrack, its compelling writing and its thrilling atmosphere. The second season of “Stranger Things” will be released in 2017.