When Stranger Things was introduced in 2016, it was really unlike anything we had seen before, and Season 2 was given a tall task to live up to the hype. The devoted fans patiently waited more than a year to see where the town of Hawkins would end up…

It certainly didn’t disappoint.

Normally I write reviews on film and cinema, but this week I’m gonna change things up a little bit and write about my new favorite TV series, the Netflix original: Stranger Things. I’ll also say that if you haven’t seen the first season, 1. What are you doing with your life? 2. Go watch it now.

Stranger Things 2 brings back the entire cast of season one with a few new faces. All of the child actors do an amazing job, and with each episode, I become more and more surprised at how excellent their performances are. I once declared that Let The Right One In has had the best performances by child actors in a film, and by using that as a benchmark, it’s quite clear to me that the child actors in Stranger Things are easily the best on TV.

Millie Bobby Brown is especially phenomenal as Eleven, as her character really takes on a different persona in the second season compared to the first. Her character not only has to undergo serious mental trauma, but she also experiences a bit of a maturation period where she hopes to find her place as a telekinetic teen in a world outside of Hawkins Lab.

Brown handles this change effortlessly will captivate both hardcore and casual viewers. I find her arc in season two to be the most interesting of all the characters, and I can't wait to see what the brilliant writers have in store for her in season three.

Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, Netflix

One noticeable, but welcome difference between the two seasons is that season two really amps up the shocking imagery. While season one certainly had its fair share of gruesome scenes, it tended to rely more on suspense. Season two has quite a few staggering scenes that will make you sit back for a second just to take in what’s happening.

A theme that remains constant through season two, however, is that of being an outcast. It’s interesting to see how each of the characters cope with being different and slowly understand where they belong, and the writers do an excellent job of conveying each of the characters very different struggles.

One reason I feel that the show is so popular is that many of its viewers have experienced the feeling of being an outcast, or have had to endure teasing because of who they are, or what they like. I love that the show glorifies this, though. It leaves us with the positive message that being unique is a good thing. The main characters in the series develop through this theme and it makes for a very interesting ride and maturation arc.

The show is also beautifully shot in almost every conceivable way. One reason why I became so obsessed with the show is because of its 80s grungy vibe, and cold aura that it gives off. Every shot just gives off the feel of coldness and darkness which is incredibly tough to achieve from shot to shot.

It’s tough to explain how amazing the cinematography is without giving any of the main plot points, but I recommend that you watch it so you can fully experience the aura of the show.

The sort of retro-techno score that the first season utilized so well also rings through every episode of the second season. The pieces composed for the show really fit the tone, and the pop tunes the directors chose are also perfect for the setting.

It’s incredibly hard to give the show a proper review without spoiling any part of the excellent narrative, but I suggest that you just get out and binge-watch it. You won’t be disappointed.

I will say that the ending of Stranger Things 2 certainly left a lot of plot points unsolved, so I, along with many others, are bracing for the third season. If the trend continues, it will be just as good.

If you haven’t seen Stranger Things, get out ASAP and watch it. Both seasons are in their own right, masterpieces.

IS IT WORTH IT?

With an excellent, building narrative, stunning cinematography, and by all means brilliant performances, 'Stranger Things 2' easily lives up to the well-deserved hype and surely deserves the title of “must-watch.”

FINAL SCORE: 9.7/10, SO Worth It

And just for the record... I'd give season one 10/10.