Stranger Things is a sci-fi horror series that follows Eleven, a girl with psychic powers, and her friends as they confront supernatural threats in the fictional town, Hawkins.
Story
Picking up after the end of season three and the battle at Starcourt Mall which saw the death of Billy and the defeat of The Mind Flayer as the link between the worlds was cut down.
In season 4, the group has been split up, with Eleven joining Joyce, Will and Jonathan and moving to Lenora Hills.
With all others still in Hawkins, mysterious incidents start to occur pulling them once more into the battle against the Upside Down.
And Eleven is key to the war. As Sam Owens put it in the trailer, they cannot win this war without her.
To add to this, the new creature they have to face off against is a humanoid called Vecna. Will the group be able to overcome this new threat, which is unlike anything they faced before.
Performances
The charm of the main cast has always been a major factor in Stranger Things’ success, and this season is no different.
Millie Bobby Brown continues to bring out Eleven’s fish out of water personality. Finn Wolfhard, as Mike Wheeler and Noah Schnapp, as Will Byers, are still as central to the narrative as in the earlier seasons.
Gaten Matarazzo and Joe Keery once again bring most of the humour to the table thanks to their banter as Dustin Henderson and Steve Harrington. Winona Ryder and Brett Gelman have their own arc as Joyce and Murray.
Sadie Sink, who plays Max, gets a more central role and shines. Joseph Quinn, as the new character Eddie Munson, easily blends in and becomes a part of the ensemble.
As more characters spend time together and bond, the season is always at its entertaining best. Every performance makes Stranger Things more engaging.
Positives
The Duffer Brothers yet again create a compelling narrative that keeps you hooked. The season wastes no time and right from the first episode the stakes are raised.
This threat is unlike anything they have ever faced before and must band together once more to figure out a solution.
Even with multiple arcs running together, it never loses steam. Each scene remains engaging as you are desperate to know what happens next.
Even with each episode lasting over one hour, it never feels like it, which is a major achievement for any show. If you’re into it, every episode will pass by in the blink of an eye.
The antagonist, Vecna, is the most creative one yet, and possibly the most terrifying in its actions. Yes, more than the Demogorgons.
It brings back the darkness of season 1 and amplifies it to a huge degree. If that is something you found missing in season 3, this one has plenty.
Negatives
While most of the season is captivating, Eleven’s arc can get a bit tedious at times and isn’t as exhilarating.
Some plot points get resolved too easily. While the stakes feel high, it’s hard to imagine any serious consequences for the main cast.
Verdict
Stranger Things season 4 is one of the greatest single seasons that Netflix has produced, both in terms of scale and in keeping you glued to your screens.
Despite some flaws, it is thoroughly entertaining. And if you are a fan of the earlier seasons, this will definitely be a treat for you.
Rating: 4/5
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