From "Orange Is the New Black" to "House of Cards," the Netflix original series that I've seen have not disappointed. They offer hilarious and emotional scenes, intriguing stories, incredible cinematography, and characters I inevitably become attached to (even if they're as awful/amazing as Frank Underwood, depending on your point of view (read: morals). As a fan of "Star Wars," "Star Trek" (The Next Generation and movies, old and new) and the like, I was unsure of what to expect from Netflix's newest creation, "Stranger Things", released on July 15, 2016. I was convinced that it would be too sci-fi for me, and I held off on watching it until I started to hear amazing things about the show from various friends. Sure enough, within one weekend I had watched all 8 episodes, and now I'm here to tell you why you should watch it, too.
1. Inspiration from 80s films.
The whole show is pretty much a big nod to 80's classics, from Steven Spielberg's "E.T." (i.e. the boys making their way around town on their bikes, aka their prized possessions) to Ridley Scott's "Alien" (i.e. the disgusting creature in the show greatly resembles the monster in "Alien") to Stephen King's "Carrie" (i.e. female protagonists with telekinetic abilities).
2. Dustin's love for food.
You'll adore Mike's friend Dustin, a middle schooler whose love for junk food sometimes clouds his judgement.
3. Eleven.
Played by 12-year-old Millie Bobby Brown, Eleven is a no-nonense, badass character that'll capture your heart as soon as you start watching the show.
4. Other characters' obliviousness.
Between Mike's parents thinking they know everything their son is up and Chief Hopper's colleagues' nonchalant reactions to pretty much everything, there's a whole lot of obliviousness going on that makes for a hilarious (and frustrating -- PEOPLE ARE DISAPPEARING!!) time.
5. Winona Ryder.
Ryder does an amazing job playing Will's mom, whose sanity is only questioned further after his disappearance.
6. Character development.
Throughout the show, most characters learn valuable lessons and go through some growth, but none more than Steve Harrington, a typical high school popular who channels his inner humanity as things start to get weird in town.
7. The Mystery.
Of course, the mystery that drives Season 1's plot will keep you on edge: what's happening to all the people disappearing?
8. Chief Hopper.
Hopper is both charismatic and extremely dedicated to the missing persons case that haunts the town throughout the show.
9. Friendship lessons.
Mike's lesson to El often comes back to him and strengthens his friendship with her: "Friends don't lie." The boys also have each other's backs (as well as El's), even if they're hesitant at first.
10. Captivating, hold-your-breath scenes.
Whether Mike, Dustin and Lucas are trying to protect Eleven or devise a plan to find Will, there are some crazy scenes that'll keep you on edge.
11. Binge watch on Netflix!
And lastly, this incredible show is on Netflix, so you can fulfill your binge-watching needs and breeze through the 8 episodes (each about 50 minutes long) in no time!
Happy watching!
