Unless you have found yourself trapped in an alternate dimension, you’ve heard about “Stranger Things.” And if you’ve heard of the original Netflix super-hit, you know about the hype surrounding the latest season, or sequel. The brainchild of twin brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, “Stranger Things” wandered its way into the homes of millions. With a young cast and a nostalgic vibe thanks to its homage to 80s horror and science fiction films, the show became an instant hit.
There were high expectations following season one. I’m happy to say the show has lived up to the hype, and takes viewers to a darker, more sinister place. In the first season of “Stranger Things,” there was innocence about the characters and the show as a whole. It was a magical ride, and as season one closed with fan speculation as to what the future would hold, at 3 a.m. this morning, we got our answers.
So how does the show grow darker? Where do we find the characters now? And what is next for these heroes of the Midwest? Let’s break it down.
Before we start can we clear something up? Is it “Stranger Things Season 2” or “Stranger Things 2?”
Honestly, I’ve been saying both. But out of respect for the Duffer Brothers, we’ll be referring to this sequel season as “Stranger Things 2.” Or just “2.”
Roger that. Over-and-out. So catch me up. What’s the big hype about this show and why should I be watching it in the first place?
I’m going to try and keep this as spoiler free as possible so everyone can enjoy the show and its surprises. Basically, “Stranger Things” is one of Netflix’s most popular and well-received original series. Its hype is, in my opinion, very well deserved. There’s a strong core cast of young actors who stole the first season completely. Rounding out the adults in the show are David Harbour and Winona Ryder, who both do great work too. If you’re into science fiction, horror, romance, coming of age stories, or just a fan of ’80s aesthetic, this show is hand made for you. It takes place in Hawkins, Indiana where a facility that has been conducting experiments has released an unknown entity from another world into the small Midwest town. A band of misfits are pulled into the strange happenings when one of their friends disappears, save the day, and are forced to grow up along the way.
I’m intrigued. So let’s cut to the chase. How dark is this season?
Season one of “Stranger Things” is like a warm hug compared to the cold shoulder of “2.” The kids are getting older, entering their teen years, and becoming more irritable. Top that off with troubled pasts being unearthed and an underworld so close it’s right beneath our feet, and you have the makings of some twisted and frightening storylines. Not to mention the constant fear of the unknown. It’s a general theme for the show and definitely “2” more so.
The combination of all those things sounds really intense.
Not so much intense things as they are “Stranger Things.”
Moving on. Do the Duffer Brothers keep up the callbacks to ’80s movies?
Not all ’80s movies, but definitely the horror and science fiction flicks. Season one was packed with references, but “2” steps back from the callbacks to continue its own quest; “Stranger Things” wasn’t made to just be a nostalgia series, it’s definitely its own monster now. What you can watch out for is a near shot for shot nod to “Close Encounters Of The Third Kind.” It’s pretty breathtaking. There are also straight forward references to “Ghostbusters,” “Halloween,” even a kind of homage to “The Exorcist,” is made, whether intentional or not.
Whoa, I’ll have to keep an eye out for those. So who are some new faces in the show? What do they add to the established cast?
Sadie Sink plays Max, a tomboy with a troubled home life, but also a badass little girl nonetheless. Paul Reiser plays Dr. Owens, who is trying to piece together everything that is happening with Will Byers. Dacre Montgomery plays Billy, a violent, smart-mouthed teen, who has internal struggles of his own. And, most notably, “Goonies” and “The Lord of the Rings” alum Sean Astin joins the cast as the incredible Bob Newby.
The show already has a pretty stacked ensemble. Did anyone stick out this season?
The show is pretty much stolen by Noah Schnapp who is pretty extraordinary in his second turn as Will Byers. Schnapp earns every scene he steals. We didn’t really have a lot of exposure to Will the first time around, but Schnapp makes up for it in every way possible. His performance is emotional, physical, and demanding, showcasing his acting range. The rest of the young cast excels as usual. Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarzzo have great on screen chemistry, and Finn Wolfhard really picks up steam towards the end of the season. Millie Bobby Brown also shines, as just as she did in season one. Here, we see her more emotional, angry, and physical. She turns to a pretty dark place this time round. Every time Sean Astin was on screen the overwhelming nostalgia that the show carries really hits a peak. He’s wonderful and doesn’t miss a beat the whole way through. And Dacre Montgomery is like the evil twin of John Bender from “The Breakfast Club.” You’ll love to hate him for most of the show.
Seems well worth it just for the cast.
Honestly it is, and that is part of the show’s overall draw. But “2” is so much bigger than one. Not only has the cast expanded but the budget for “2” was far greater this time around. The visuals are astonishing. You get the exact feel the Duffer Brothers are going for; familiar, but uneasy. It can be a little overwhelming and inconsistent at times, but you don’t notice until digesting the season entirely.
Geez. This is shaping up to really seem like it will live up to the hype. Does it?
It definitely lives up to the hype, but it doesn’t necessarily exceed expectations. The Duffer Brothers take some trips to sub-plot land here and there shifting focus to a teen love triangle, but overall, its a worthy follow-up to what was a near perfect first season.
The verdict?
If you are an ’80s cinema fan, specifically horror and science fiction movies, as I am, you’ll find nearly everything you’re looking for with “Stranger Things” all over again. But the show, like its cast, has definitely grown up and it isn’t afraid to show that life can be unfair. Do not underestimate the cruelty of the Duffer Brothers. It is a dark turn for the series, and while the second season may take a while to really kick into gear, it’s well worth it to enter The Upside Down. [B]