Entertainment

Stranger Things Vol. 1 Review

By Bridget Drayne

After a three-and-a-half-year wait, the first volume of “Stranger Things” season five was released on Nov. 26. With the next two volumes set to release on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, respectively, anticipation remains high among fans. 

Starring Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, and Winona Ryder, “Stranger Things” became a worldwide sensation soon after season one was released in 2016, with an average of 14 million daily views in the first 35 days. Sparking its own apparel line, video games, and immersive pop-up events, it has undoubtedly generated an 80s culture revival and changed modern-day media.

After years of anticipation, season five of “Stranger Things” finally arrived. But with it came a mix of bold choices and surprising shifts from what fans knew and loved from earlier seasons.

The dialogue this season often feels choppy and overly scripted. Several characters speak almost exclusively in witty one-liners, which makes their interactions feel inauthentic and prevents the audience from fully connecting with them. Along with the dialogue feeling disconnected, the overall production value gives the show too much of a polished outlook, making it lose the charm of the first two seasons. The constant camera cuts, perfectly ironed outfits, and large sets make the show feel more like a blockbuster movie rather than the eerie, small-town supernatural series it originally was.

However, season five succeeds in recapturing one of the show’s most beloved elements: keeping the core characters together. With many of the characters reunited back in Hawkins, it feels like one last adventure for the once-preteen characters. 

If you’re dedicated enough to follow the plot line of the past four seasons closely–unlike many are–you will be satisfied with season five. Its twists and turns, tender romantic moments, and compelling continuation of the storyline make this season impressive from a narrative standpoint. Hardcore fans will be left dazzled by the events of this season, especially in the last episode of the volume. Casual watchers, though, may find themselves confused as the already extensive lore only continues to build.

“Stranger Things” season five delivers strengths relating to the plot, but also brings noticeable weaknesses with its characters. However, this is only the first volume, and there is plenty of room to end the series with a bang.