Harry Situation Reviews: Stranger Things

Seeing a post by CRaMcGuirt reminded me that I have yet to write a review for this.

Stranger Things is the latest Netflix original series starring David Harbour (Suicide Squad), Matthew Modine (Full Metal Jacket), and Winona Ryder (where has she been all this time). The series is about the mysterious disappearance of Winona Ryder's son and the ongoing investigation that follows. All the while strange things are happening around the same time. A group of boys meet a girl with telekinetic powers, the boy's mother comes in contact with her missing son from a parallel world, the sheriff discovers a top secret government building doing dangerous experiments, and two teenagers are hunted by unknown monster. Interesting science, suspenseful terror, and 80s nostalgia throughout. 

The one thing I can definitely say about Stranger Things is that it is amazing. The writing and directing for each episode is superb. All the actors in the series did a fantastic job, especially the child actors. It is rare to see children deliver such strong and emotional performances and be able to match that with people who've acted their whole life.

Stranger Things is definitely a unique science fiction show. The main topic is parallel worlds and how to enter said worlds. There was even an episode that helped explain how parallel worlds can exist and what could be done to travel to them. The series also blends a good use of horror too. When the monster appears everything darkens, building up the arrival. Once it finally arrives it is quite terrifying. The design for the monster is so original, almost like it is some kind of creature from the Cthulhu Mythos. However the most unique thing about this show is its setting. It takes place during the 1980s which means so much 80s nostalgia for everyone. Ranging from Star Wars to The Thing and to even Dungeons and Dragons.

I love how each episode kept building and building upon each other. The final episode did not disappoint. It definitely was a satisfying conclusion but at the same time it left me wanting even more.

And now for my negatives...wait a minute! This is definitely strange. I actually don't have anything negative to say. Yeah, usually there would be a few minor nitpicks here or there that I would address but not this time. This first season was actually perfect.

Stranger Things is a must watch for everyone. It is an exciting and thrilling show that delves into interesting science and blends into a suspenseful thriller. It's kind of a tribute to greats like Steven Spielberg, John Carpenter, Stephen King, Dean Koontz whose work have already explore topics like these before. Yet it the series has found a way to make it fresh and original. Time for the grading scale.

                                  Positives:                                  Negatives:

                                  -Acting                                    -No negatives at all

                                  -Writing

                                  -Visual style

                                  -Memorable episodes

                                  -Suspenseful terror

                                  -Opening theme

                                  -Use of science

                                  -Tribute to 80s nostalgia

With all these positives, it's clear that my final grade for Season 1 is: A+

Have you watched Stranger Things? What did you thing about it? What do you think a parallel world would look like? Please be kind, give a like, and leave a comment below! And as always be sure to check my profile for more Harry Situation Reviews!

Best Quote:

Mr. Clarke: "Science is neat, but I'm afraid it's not very forgiving."