Stranger Things /A Review/
A creation by the Duffer Brothers, my love for Stranger Things began during the COVID lockdown. Thanks to my friend whose kindliness helped me discover Stranger Things as my first ever show on Netflix. This show may appear basic to some of my literary-minded friends but it has my heart for obvious reasons, like its breathtaking plot, interesting setting and marvellous cinematography, as well as for the subtle details in the character sketches and gripping view of the concept of Upside Down (a parallel dimension of the undead).
Based in the town of Hawkins, a simple 20th-century American fictional town, the show navigates through the lives of a group of friends, each with their own strengths and shortcomings, in a world whose gates have opened to an alternate and creepy dimension, calling it the Upside Down.
There are three things that I love most about this show:
- The dexterity in the narration technique. I mean, two subplots playing simultaneously, transitioning smoothly and merging towards the common goal is one of the coolest ways of keeping the audience engrossed in the world of Stranger Things. Not to forget the on-point background tracks!
- The character of Eleven. My God! It seems a tiny kid can be burdened by the whole world for being born with supernatural powers. The way she carries herself with modesty and strength is something Vecna will fail to even comprehend. She is not the main character but undoubtedly the show revolves around her growth and influence. If you do not get what I mean, you have not yet watched the show. Let me not spoil it for you.
- The most important thing I believe in the show is the human understanding and development of alternate dimensions and occult powers. The creators have proficiently picturised the details of the dimensions. Every aspect of life (if I take the liberty to call those creatures alive) in the Upside Down is superbly crafted.
I agree with the show’s central narrative, saying that Love is the winner in this world as well as all the worlds to come. There is no stone unturned when it comes to giving a brief yet complex peek into the emotions and history of the characters along with their interpersonal dynamics, for that is how the plot aims to reach its ultimate destination. It is something I, as a 24-year-old, tell my past self that it all works out in the end.
So now, eagerly waiting for the last season!
