There’s
something immensely likeable about Stranger
Things, the latest Netflix original series brought to us by The Duffer
Brothers (nope, never heard of them either). It might have to do with its young
lead characters, an amiable, goofy-grinning bunch who are a joy to spend 46
minutes with, or it could be possibly down to its distinctly retro vibe that
evokes fond memories of the films we used to consume on VHS (or Super 8, if you were born after 1995).
The show is so
strongly rooted in the 1980s pop culture that at times it feels like we’re
watching a beautiful amalgamation of the decade’s best movies. The
afore-mentioned children, armed with nothing more than their BMXs and a
derring-do spirit as they search the woods for their mysteriously disappeared
friend, appear to be starring in a sci-fi coming-of-age drama that exists
somewhere in between ET and Stand By Me. Their older siblings, who
one moment might be engaging in awkward adolescent sex and the next fending off
a supernatural killer stalking their suburban homes, seem to be channelling the
slasher films of Wes Craven and John Carpenter. Meanwhile, a bunch of government agents operate
in the shadows, as they handle an organic-looking portal that may just spit out
a penis-shaped xenomorph at any moment.
Yet while Stranger Things is the TV equivalent of
revisiting fond memories with an old chum, it needs to be said it’s not a 5
star series – after all, friends don’t lie. For a show that at times feels so
Spielbergian in spirit, it’s an unfortunate misstep that the first couple of
episodes give away big reveals far too early and gratuitously, violating one of
the key principles the bearded director has always stood by: tell, don’t show.
By revealing too much, all sense of mystery and suspense is swiftly undone. Also,
in a cast of relatively unknowns giving it their best shot, it’s baffling to
see former 80s child Winona Ryder dial her performance up to OTT levels. And
finally, with the plot is neatly tied up by the end of this 8 episode run, you
do wonder whether a second season is even needed, as hinted by a last minute
tease.
But then again, these
are minor gripes and observations that derive from the frustration of wanting a
very good show to be perfect. If it were, it would be the best show of 2016. As
it stands, it’s currently one of the Top 10. Just sit back and take in the
nostalgia.
4/5
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