TV Review: ‘Stranger Things’ will have glued to the screen for hours

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Looking for a suspenseful thriller that will keep your focus on a screen for hours? Netflix’s original series “Stranger Things” will have you on the edge of your seat for the full two seasons.

The series follows the spine-chilling adventures of characters in the rural town of Hawkins, Indiana in the 1980s. After a teenage boy goes missing, three of his friends attempt to find and bring him back from the parallel universe called the “upside-down.” Throughout both seasons, the three boys, family members, police officers, and other people of the town face the newfound dangers of their surroundings.

While in search of their lost friend, the three boys meet a girl who can open the portal to the parallel universe and use her immortal abilities to help locate those who have gone missing. Eleven, the girl who helps the boys, becomes a main character in the plot of the series and affects the outcomes of the challenges that the group of kids endure.

After Will (Noah Schnapp) goes missing, the problem escalates greatly and becomes far more complicated. A monster is released, people become trapped in parallel universes, kids develop their first crushes, and families learn to deal with loss.

Unlike many TV shows, the second season of the series is just as intriguing and exciting as the first. There are new aspects thrown into the plot that shift the direction of the characters and conflicts, but it is just as interesting. The focus of the show shifts from finding Will to learning about the rest of the girls like Eleven and their immortal abilities. During this season, the audience meets other people who possess the same abilities and what they use their powers for.

Season two includes jump scares, humor, suspense, and romance aspects. Although the overall mood is eerie and the setting is more on the dreary side, the young characters bring humor and vibrancy to the plot.

I personally love how “Stranger Things” takes place in the 1980s. The outfits, homes, and style of the characters is true to that era, and it helps bring a unique a aspect to the show that other series do not usually have.

The videography is extremely impressive in my opinion. The different angles and shots contribute to the emotions that the characters are trying to convey to the audience. There are constantly expressions of fear, excitement, confusion, and determination that help engage the viewers even more. For such young actors, the boys convey such mature characters and showcase their amazing talent.

While many fictional movies or TV shows seem unrealistic or obviously fake, this series did an excellent job of keeping the plot authentic. The combination of graphics and mature acting allowed me to feel as though I was a part of the action.

“Stranger Things” is for more mature viewers who enjoy suspense, horror, and humor. Because it is not strictly just one genre of TV, teenagers and adults would love this series, and should find time to watch it. And if you have already seen the first season, the second is a must-see continuation -that will not disappoint.

Our Grade: A
“Stranger Things”
Rated: PG-13
Length: 42-55 Minute Long Episodes
Genre: Supernatural/Horror Fiction
Directed By: Matt Duffer
Starring: Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin, Winona Ryder, Noah Schnapp, David Harbour, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton