The Netflix original series, "Stranger Things," has been all the rage since it was released mid-July. With posts flooding the internet for the past month, the show seems to have struck a cord for nostalgic audiences everywhere. The compelling sci-fi drama centers around the happenings in a small Indiana town in 1983 after a young boy goes missing. What unfolds is a tale, although reminiscent of classic '80s films stands on it's own as a story of love, loss, and enduring friendship.

The series is set in Hawkins, Indiana, a fictional town where the worst thing that's happened there is when "an owl attacked Elanor Gillespe's head because it thought it's hair was a nest." The story is set into motion when 12-year-old Will Beyers goes missing. His mother, played by the talented Winona Ryder, is absolutely distraught and comes to believe that her son's disappearance occurred under supernatural circumstances. Will's three best friends, who are lovers of all things nerdy, set out to find their friend and are willing to risk their lives in the process. The town sheriff, Will's older brother, and one of the friend's older sister become intertwined in the twist and turns that make up this paranormal story. However, the element of the supernatural truly comes into play with the introduction of Eleven, a young girl with psychokinetic abilities and a limited vocabulary.

Under the direction of the Duffer brothers, two men obsessed with the cinematography of the 1980s, the show is full of references to classic '80s movies. One of the most apparent comes in the relationship between the three best friends of Will Beyers. Their friendship and nerd-adventures are reminiscent of movies such as "The Goonies" and "Stand By Me." However, there are many film references to famous movies like "Carrie," "Alien," "Poltergeist," "The Empire Strikes Back," "E.T.," "Jaws" and more. The costuming and sets of the Netflix Original create a strikingly believable backdrop for the show that will almost convince viewers they are watching something actually created in this time period.

"Stranger Things" certainly has its flaws, but it's so entertaining you can see right past them. The show is able to transport audiences into another time and a different reality, all from the comfort of home. The eight part mini-series is an easy and enjoyable watch and is currently available to stream on Netflix.