Stranger Things is a popular Netflix original series that premiered in 2016. The show is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, in the 1980s, and follows a group of friends as they uncover supernatural mysteries and confront evil forces. While the show has been praised for its nostalgic references to classic 80s movies and its talented cast of young actors, there are some areas where the show falls short. In this article, we will explore the rifts in the Stranger Things experience and examine where the show could improve.
The Plot
Stranger Things follows the story of a group of friends, including Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will, as they investigate the disappearance of their friend, Will Byers. Along the way, they encounter a mysterious girl with telekinetic powers named Eleven, who has escaped from a government laboratory. As the series progresses, the group uncovers a dark and supernatural conspiracy involving the Upside Down, a parallel dimension filled with dangerous creatures.
While the plot of Stranger Things is engaging and suspenseful, there are some areas where it falls short. The show can sometimes feel formulaic, with each season following a similar pattern of the group investigating a supernatural mystery and confronting an evil force. Additionally, some of the plot points can feel contrived or convenient, with characters making unrealistic decisions or coincidences occurring to move the story forward.
The Characters
One of the strengths of Stranger Things is its talented cast of young actors, who bring depth and nuance to their characters. The group of friends, in particular, is a highlight of the show, with each character bringing a unique personality and perspective to the story. However, there are some areas where the show could improve in terms of character development.
One issue is that some of the characters can feel underdeveloped or one-dimensional. For example, characters like Max and Billy in season 2 feel like they are only there to serve the plot, without much depth or nuance to their personalities. Additionally, some of the characters can feel like caricatures of 80s movie archetypes, rather than fully fleshed-out individuals.
The Themes
Stranger Things explores several themes throughout the series, including friendship, family, and the power of love to overcome evil. The show also touches on the idea of nostalgia and how it can be both comforting and dangerous. However, there are some areas where the show could improve in terms of its themes.
One issue is that the show can sometimes feel heavy-handed in its use of nostalgia. While the references to classic 80s movies can be fun and engaging, they can also feel like a crutch for the show, rather than a genuine exploration of the themes and ideas that those movies represented. Additionally, some of the themes can feel simplistic or cliched, without much nuance or complexity.
The Visuals
Stranger Things is known for its distinctive visual style, which combines elements of horror and science fiction to create a unique and engaging world. The show’s use of practical effects, such as animatronics and puppetry, adds to the realism of the creatures and helps to ground the show in reality. However, there are some areas where the show could improve in terms of its visuals.
One issue is that the show can sometimes feel too dark and murky, making it difficult to see what is happening on screen. While this can add to the atmosphere of the show, it can also be frustrating for viewers who want to fully engage with the story and characters. Additionally, some of the special effects can feel cheesy or unrealistic, detracting from the overall quality of the show.
The Reception
Stranger Things has been a critical and commercial success since its premiere in 2016. The show has been praised for its talented cast, engaging plot, and distinctive visual style. However, there are some areas where the show has received criticism.
One issue is that the show can sometimes feel like it is pandering to its audience, relying too heavily on nostalgia and references to classic 80s movies. Additionally, some critics have criticized the show for its lack of diversity and representation, particularly in terms of its treatment of female and LGBTQ+ characters.
Conclusion
While Stranger Things is a popular and engaging show, there are some areas where it could improve. The show’s plot can sometimes feel formulaic and contrived, while some of the characters can feel underdeveloped or one-dimensional. Additionally, the show’s use of nostalgia can sometimes feel heavy-handed, while some of the themes and visuals can be simplistic or unrealistic. However, despite these rifts, Stranger Things remains a beloved and entertaining series that has captured the hearts of audiences around the world.
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