It's the Netflix original series that is sweeping that nation: Stranger Things. In just over a little of a month, this show has become the most talked about series all summer. Although I am in the middle of another series, I took a break from watching that to see what all the hype was about this show. Let me tell you, it definitely lives up to the hype. I watched eight episodes in three days, and I already want more. Here are five reasons why you have to binge watch Stranger Things.
1. 80's Nostalgia
The first thing you know about this series is that it takes place in Hawkins, Indiana circa 1983. That means clunky phone, horrible clothes, and all your favorite 80's tunes in every episode! "Africa" by Toto literally plays during the first episode, and many other 80's hits throughout the series. I personally thought the time setting of this series made the show so great because the kids (who I will get to later) are worried about finding their missing friend, and ride their bikes through the woods trying to find him. No GPS or cell phones can help them out. All they have are their Walkie Talkies to communicate with one another, and their wits. Also, the similarities to favorite 80's films like E.T. and The Goonies are present, which I think is why this show became so popular. People love nostalgia, and this show provides that.
2. Child Actors That Don't Suck
You may groan over the fact that the plot mostly centers around young kids, but like the 80's setting, the kids make the show what it is. We are introduced to a friend group of four 12 year old boys who like to play Dungeons and Dragons together. The child actors they chose are so perfect for their roles, and they are so compelling to watch. It must have been hard for them to act in an age they only ever heard stories about, but you would never know they don't actually live in the 80's. My personal favorite was the young girl they happen upon in the woods, Eleven, who barely speaks because she has been traumatized by the Hawkins Laboratories. That being said, the actress playing her is mostly doing the acting with her emotions, and she does it so well. You can see how she communicates with just her eyes, and that is not a skill you see most child actors accomplish. Also, the actress actually shaved her head just for the role. Is that dedication or what?
3. Interesting Plot
Stranger Things is so easy to binge because there is never a dull moment. The plot is always keeping you guessing about what will happen next. You desperately want to know what happened to Will Byers, and the outcome is so clever. Without giving anything away, it is something I have never seen done in a TV show. I also loved how there were a bunch of different subplots with all the characters, but in the end they come together for the same purpose.
4. Doesn't Fit Into One Genre
When people ask me to describe this show, I kind of find it hard to. There is no single genre that it fits into. It includes elements of supernatural, mystery, horror, and science fiction. There is also a lot of comic relief intermixed so it makes the series more fun. These are all tied neatly into one little package that makes for one awesome show.
5. A Little Spooky, But Not Too Scary!
Just in time for Halloween, Stranger Things is the perfect show to watch this season! The supernatural elements are perfect to spook you a little, but anyone can watch it. It is rated TV-14, so nothing extremely scary or graphic happens. Add this to your list of must watch Halloween movies and shows!
